Manchester United waiting “in the wings” for Douglas Luiz | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly waiting “in the wings” to sign Juventus star Douglas Luiz with local rivals Manchester City leading the charge to sign the Brazilian midfielder.

Simon Jones (Daily Mail) reveals City are “contemplating a loan” for their former player as Pep Guardiola searches for solutions to the Citizens’ obvious struggles in the middle of the pitch in the absence of Rodri.

Luiz, 26, only switched the Premier League for Serie A in the summer after Juventus agreed to pay £42 million to Aston Villa to secure the midfielder’s services.

However, Luiz has struggled to settle into the first-team in Turn with new head coach Thiago Motta initially dropping the Brazilian after he returned from holiday in poor shape.

Luiz then subsequently picked up an injury, further impeding his adaptation to a new team and new league. He has been unable to break into the starting eleven since this downturn.

Juventus are believed to be open to Luiz’s departure in the winter window, but would prefer a permanent transfer; or, a loan deal with an obligation clause included.

However, there have been no takers for the Brazilian in this formulation, while the Old Lady have brought in two of their own loan signings this month – Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint-Germain) and Renato Veiga (Chelsea), totalling nearly €10 million in loan fees.

This has put increased pressure on the Italian club to both make room in their squad and balance the books by potentially accelerating outbound transfers.

And it’s perhaps this impetus which may lead Juventus to be willing to compromise on the nature of Luiz’s exit with both Manchester rivals reportedly open to signing the 26-year-old on loan. There was even a suggestion United may include Joshua Zirkzee in a deal to sign Luiz.

Jones describes United as waiting “in the wings” for the Brazilian, suggesting a late approach may come from the Red Devils as Old Trafford executives consider options to buttress Ruben Amorim’s squad.

Jones also reveals Nottingham Forest and Fulham join the Manchester clubs in the hunt for Luiz, while Chelsea made an approach but “cooled” their interest over the cost.

Luiz would be an astute signing for United given his age, physical and technical profile, and Premier League experience. On a loan deal, even with an expensive formulation, he could prove a game-changer for the Reds in a position of growing concern.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both turn 33 next month and are physically incapable of meeting the demands Amorim places upon his midfield pivot. Conversely, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are willing runners but best deployed further forward.

This leaves Manuel Ugarte, who has performed well under Amorim after their shared time together at Sporting CP, and 21-year-old Toby Collyer.

And while Collyer produced a game-winning moment in yesterday’s victory at Craven Cottage, it’s clear United need an experienced option in midfield, capable of progressing the ball from deep, who also has the physicality to handle the rigours of English football.

There is unlikely to be a candidate as well-suited to these requirements, who is actively available to sign in January, as former Villa man Luiz. United must not waste any time and emerge from the “wings” to the front of the queue for the Brazilian before their rivals get there first.

Featured image Simone Alveda via Getty Images

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