Manchester United join Real Madrid and Barcelona in race to sign 21-year-old Croatian talent: Reports
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Manchester United have joined Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to sign Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Martin Baturina. The report comes in the wake of Ruben Amorim taking charge of the Red Devils.
United's interest in signing Baturina could be tied to his versatility. The 21-year-old plays primarily as an attacking midfielder but could also be deployed as a central midfielder. Similarly, the Croatian's creativity could be pivotal for the Premier League giants, who need some level of creativity in midfield.
The youngster has been likened to his senior compatriot Luka Modric. Baturina has had a brilliant start to the 2024-25 campaign, scoring two and registering seven assists in 17 games across competitions for Dinamo Zagreb.
He is contracted with the Croatian club until June 2028. This could imply that he will not be a cheap option in the transfer market. Earlier, Sky Germany reporter Patrick Berger reported that Dinamo Zagreb rejected an offer from Real Madrid for Baturina.
With Manchester United coming into the fray, his valuation could increase in the coming months. Baturina is currently valued at €20 million by Transfermarkt.
Juventus are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United - Reports
Juventus are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee, according to a report by Tuttosport (via Transfer News Live). Zirkzee has failed to deliver in front of goal for the Red Devils since joining Manchester United from Bologna in the summer. The Dutchman has scored only one goal in 17 games across competitions for the Red Devils.
If Juventus sign him, there's a possibility that United might not be getting a decent valuation for the player as Zirkzee's current form will reduce the English club's bargaining power.
Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna for €42.50 million in July 2024, and he's currently contracted with the English giants till June 2029.