Manchester United are plotting a move for two strikers – Dusan Vlahovic and Ollie Watkins – as Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee edges towards the Old Trafford exit. The 25-year-old Zirkzee, who joined for £36.5m two years ago, has scored just nine goals and is likely to depart after an inconsistent spell.
Clubs including Juventus, Roma and Como have expressed interest in taking the former Bayern Munich and Bologna man on loan, with either an obligation or option to buy, though United would prefer a straight sale. Should Zirkzee leave, the Red Devils have Vlahovic and Watkins on their shortlist, according to reports.
“Man Utd consider Dusan Vlahovic and Ollie Watkins as Joshua Zirkzee nears exit.”
Vlahovic, 26, is a free agent after running down his contract at Juventus. Besiktas director of sport Onder Ozer admitted the Turkish side had been interested but acknowledged the Serb’s priorities. “Regarding Vlahovic, since the player is a free agent, the matter is in his hands,” Ozer said. “If he prefers one of the major five leagues, then Turkiye isn’t one of them.”
Ozer added that Vlahovic had his best season under Vincenzo Italiano at Fiorentina, and that Italiano still speaks with him. “There is surely a desire to work with him again, but the priority for players isn’t choosing a coach, it’s choosing a contract. I imagine Vlahovic is expecting a big contract and a team competing in the Champions League.”
Watkins, meanwhile, has been regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford, but Aston Villa are expected to demand a lofty price after selling Morgan Rogers to Chelsea. As it stands, neither Vlahovic nor Watkins are being actively pursued while Zirkzee remains at the club. That could change rapidly if the Dutchman moves closer to an exit.
Zirkzee’s departure would leave Michael Carrick – preparing for his first full season in charge – needing to reshape an attack that has already seen big-money arrivals in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Zirkzee himself.