Juventus manager Thiago Motta has played down rumours that he is targeting a January reunion with Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.
The Italian press have been constantly writing about how Zirkzee is unhappy at Old Trafford and wants to return to Italy.
Juventus are apparently desperate to secure his services and are reportedly considering swap deals given their restricted finances.
Both former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and ex-Manchester City defender Danilo have been mentioned as possible makeweights.
But Motta, who managed the Dutchman at Bologna last season, refused to fuel speculations and insisted that he is “very happy” with the players currently at his disposal.
As per Metro, the manager told reporters after Juventus’ 1-1 draw at Lecce on Sunday: “The market will open in January and we are in total harmony with the club.”
He added: “I am very happy with the players I have. I hope that the injured players can return soon to be able to help the rest of the team.”
Reports of Zirkzee’s frustrations in Manchester almost wrote themselves during a dismal first few months at the club.
After scoring a last-gasp winner from the bench on the opening day of the season to secure a 1-0 win over Fulham, the 23-year-old struggled badly.
The reports were not helped by his languid movement on the pitch, but he finally made amends on Sunday as the Netherlands international started and scored a brace in United’s 4-0 thumping of Everton in the Premier League.
The forward spoke warmly about his current situation after the game, saying, “Hard times create strong people and strong people bond. I think that’s what’s happening now.”
One good performance and a strong statement is unlikely to change any deep-seated concerns, should they actually exist. But it is hugely encouraging to see one of United’s flagship summer signings starting to find some form.
Certainly Zirkzee seems to be firmly in manager Ruben Amorim’s plans, playing a full 90 minutes in a role which Rasmus Hojlund looked to have nailed down after his midweek Europa League brace.
Rotation and squad depth is key, especially during this particularly congested period of the football calendar, and having Zirkzee, Hojlund and Marcus Rashford all scoring twice within a week is a huge boost for the Portuguese coach.
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
