Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has insisted his club have not spoken to Manchester United concerning the potential transfer of Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window.

Zirkzee was purchased from Bologna for approximately £36.5m in the summer transfer window, having impressed current Juve manager Thiago Motta. Despite scoring on his Premier League debut in front of the Stretford End, the Dutchman has found it difficult to settle in Manchester.

The 23-year-old has scored four goals and notched two assists across all competitions this season, and that form had many questioning if he could make it at Old Trafford. However, his spell at United hit a new rock bottom over Christmas when, after half an hour, Ruben Amorim chose to bring Zirkzee off for Kobbie Mainoo.

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As he left the pitch, Zirkzee was jeered by a large section of the United fans, and he immediately headed for the tunnel after collecting his coat. The forward did return moments later to watch the remainder of the game, but it was clear the reception had impacted him.

Now there are rumours abound that United will look to move Zirkzee on this winter to recoup some money to help Amorim invest. Juventus have been linked with providing a sanctuary for the Dutchman, but Giuntoli insists the Italian club have not been in contact with United for Zirkzee at this stage.

He told Sport Mediaset: "Honestly, we have never spoken to Manchester United. They have some situations to resolve right now, I don’t know what could happen in future.

"Without talking about specific players, we will be keeping an eye out, but a lot depends on injuries for example to [Arkadiusz] Milik."