Man United 'offered' Kobbie Mainoo replacement transfer swap deal as reunion emerges
Manchester United are reportedly one of the Premier League clubs considering a possible January move for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian moved to Italy from Aston Villa in the summer in a deal worth €50million (£42.35m). Luiz has played 13 times for Thiago Motta's team but has started just twice with Manuel Locatelli, Khephren Thuram and Teun Koopmeiners preferred.
Reports earlier in the window claimed that two Premier League clubs had expressed an interest in signing Luiz this month, something the player would be open to after less than a season in Turin.
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Juventus wanted to recoup part of the £42.35m they paid for him but would consider a loan, should an obligation to buy be included. United have been revealed as one of the clubs keen to sign him by Italian journalist Ciro Venerato.
The Italian told Rai Sports (via Tutto Juve) that Juventus could use Luiz to bring Joshua Zirkzee to the club after identifying him as their primary target to compete with Dusan Vlahovic.
According to the report, Luiz has been offered to United in a potential swap deal that would see Zirkzee reunite with Thiago Motta and return to Italy. One key factor that could help get the deal over the line could be the role of Kio Joorabchan, who represents both players.
United's link to Luiz comes after reports that Kobbie Mainoo is no longer viewed untouchable, alongside Alejandro Garnacho, due to the club's attempt to comply with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules.
Mainoo's sale would be recorded as pure accounting profit and the failure to successfully negotiate a new contract could force United to sell him to raise millions, with Chelsea keen.
Even with Mainoo remaining at the club, the uncertainty of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen's ability in midfield means United are likely to be back in the market for a new midfielder to improve Amorim's options.
