'Could be sacrificed' - €90m-rated Man Utd target may leave Juventus | OneFootball

Manchester United's reported interest in Juventus attacking midfielder Kenan Yildiz is genuine, a leading source in Italy has confirmed, with a transfer possible if the Turin giants fail to qualify for next season's Champions League.

19-year-old Yildiz has established himself as a key player for Juventus manager Thiago Motta, but his solid individual form has not translated into results this season as the Bianconeri find themselves locked in a battle for Champions League qualification. Motta's continuation as head coach is also far from certain.

If Juve fail to reach Europe's top competition - they sit one point outside the top four with nine games to go - they are likely to have to sell players to make up for the drop in income, and one of several candidates for sale is Yildiz.

The Turkiye international is thought to be happy with Juve and club officials would also be reluctant to agree to a sale, but there is growing interest in Yildiz's services. Reports on Wednesday suggested United are among those looking to capitalise, and Sky Italy's Gianluca Di Marzio has confirmed the interest is real.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Yildiz could be sacrificed regardless of qualification because he is the most sought after, there are many teams [interested] like Manchester United," he said on Italian television. "His sacrifice could lead to other investments like Juve did last year."

As a highly rated 19-year-old whose contract runs until 2029, Yildiz would command a significant fee if he was to be sold this summer, with reports naming Juve's asking price at anywhere between €80m-€90m (£67m-£75m).

United, while prepared to invest in Ruben Amorim's squad, would have to sell players to raise that sort of money, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo believed to be among those who could be sold to finance a summer rebuild.

Yildiz is not the only player on United's radar, however. RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons is understood to be an attacking target, while the Red Devils also have a four-man shortlist of possible striker options as they prepare to completely rejuvenate their squad.