Juventus consider Douglas Luiz proposal with Manchester United in Zirkzee pursuit – report | OneFootball

Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus could look to offload summer signing Douglas Luiz to Manchester United in January, which could also help the Bianconeri in their pursuit of former Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

Douglas Luiz, who joined Juventus in a €50m move from Aston Villa over the summer, has struggled to make an impact in Turin. He has played for just 312 minutes across all competitions so far this season and has not registered any goals or assists in that time.

The Brazilian has also been out with muscular fatigue since October, and faces a tough task in breaking back into Thiago Motta’s midfield given the strong and consistent performances of Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram of late.

Recent reports have suggested that Juventus could look to cut their losses with the former Aston Villa midfielder and move him on sooner rather than later.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 02: Douglas Luiz of Brazil warms up prior to the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group D match between Brazil and Colombia at Levi’s Stadium on July 02, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Can Douglas Luiz help Juventus sign Zirkzee?

Meanwhile, Juventus are hopeful of bringing in a handful of new additions in January. The Bianconeri are looking for at least one new defender after the season-ending injuries to Bremer and Juan Cabal, as well as a forward to rotate and compete with Dusan Vlahovic.

Zirkzee has been the most commonly mentioned name when it comes to Juventus’s striker hunt, but Thiago Motta’s side have limited to funds to play with in their January budget unless they move some of their current players on first.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on October 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

For that reason, Calciomercato.com suggest that Juventus could look to kill two birds with one stone with Manchester United by offering Douglas Luiz as part of a player exchange, which could also see Zirkzee move in the opposite direction.

Sunday’s report suggests that a return to Aston Villa could also be on the cards for the struggling Bianconeri midfielder.