Free Agent Vlahovic Circles as United Weigh Zirkzee Exit

Manchester United have been linked with free agent Dusan Vlahovic as a potential short-term striker option should Joshua Zirkzee leave the club this summer.

The Serbian centre-forward, 25, is without a club after leaving Juventus and is open to a move. United will need to act quickly, however, with Barcelona also sniffing around the former Serie A striker.

Dušan Vlahović during a Juventus match.

Zirkzee’s Future Forces United’s Hand

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Zirkzee has been forced to start both pre-season games so far due to Benjamin Sesko’s injury – including scoring against Rosenborg – and Sesko is expected to return to action in August. One source indicated United could move for an experienced short-term No. 9 in the mould of Wout Weghorst’s loan stint a few years ago, specifically if Zirkzee departs. With the Reds competing across four competitions next season, the 23-year-old Sesko cannot be expected to lead the line all the time.

Joshua Zirkzee signs his contract upon joining Manchester United.

Welbeck Option Fading Fast

INEOS would have ideally liked to sign an experienced No. 9, someone who is Premier League-proven, but Danny Welbeck seems to be inching closer to a move to Chelsea instead. The United academy graduate is expected to finalise his move to Chelsea in the coming days, leaving United to look elsewhere.

Vlahovic has always hit the double-digit mark for goals in his previous three seasons and has been on United’s radar across multiple windows. Wage demands have consistently toppled any planned move, and whether the striker is now more open to the idea remains to be seen.

Barcelona are also interested in Vlahovic, meaning United would need to act fast. Any move for the Serbian would ultimately depend on Zirkzee’s departure first.