(Football news) The Netherlands international has struggled to produce his best form since he completed a £35.3m move from Bologna in the summer transfer window.
Zirkzee has had to settle for just seven starts in 20 Premier League appearances, mustering just three goals during that period.
The Dutchman recently experienced a tough outing against Newcastle United at the end of December, with his premature withdrawal in the 33rd minute greeted by cheers from sections of the Manchester United support.
However, the forward did receive a positive reception when he was introduced in the latter stages of Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, where he nearly played a decisive role, laying the ball across for Harry Maguire in stoppage time, only for the defender to blaze harmlessly over the bar.
Manchester United offered Vlahovic a Zirkzee swap deal
Speaking after the draw, Man United boss Ruben Amorim admitted he could not offer any guarantees over Zirkzee’s future despite insisting he wants the player to stay at Old Trafford amid links over a possible return to Serie A.
According to multiple reports, Manchester United have been given the chance to offload Zirkzee to Juventus in a potential swap deal.
The report claims that the Italian giants have offered the Red Devils the opportunity to sign Vlahovic in a proposal that would see Zirkzee reunite with former Bologna boss Thiago Motta.
Zirkzee impressed under Motta at Bologna last season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 34 Serie A matches to help the club achieve Champions League qualification.
The swap proposal would provide Juventus with an instant replacement for Vlahovic, who is out of contract in the summer of 2026.
Would the swap proposal benefit Manchester United?
Vlahovic has proven himself as a seasoned goalscorer in the Italian top flight, demonstrated by the 84 Serie A goals he has scored in 189 top-flight appearances for Fiorentina and Juventus.
The Serbia international has also been in fine form this season, scoring 12 goals in 23 competitive appearances for the Old Lady.
While there is no doubt about Vlahovic’s goalscoring talents, the Serbian is not quite as mobile as Zirkzee and may struggle to contribute to their build-up play away from the penalty box.
Vlahovic would also likely want guarantees over starting opportunities, meaning Rasmus Hojlund would have to settle for a bench role.
With all that in mind, Manchester United may be reluctant to push for Vlahovic and may be keen to persist with Zirkzee in the second half of the season.
Also read: Manchester United draw at Anfield fighting against all the odds
