Juventus forward Paulo Dybala is a popular figure over in Turin but has been backed to leave when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.
However, it is rumored that new Juve coach Maurizio Sarri does not really count on Dybala. More comfortable in support of a center forward, the Argentine will not necessarily have his place in the 4-3-3 of the Italian technician.
“I think Dybala can play as a false nine quite comfortably,” Sarri said. “We can also set up the attack slightly differently, with the 4-3-1-2 and Dybala playing on the right of a front two.” Sarri added.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have been linked with a move for Dybala – and it seems the 25-year-old star enjoys playing at Old Trafford.
The Serie A champion could offer Dybala in a part exchange deal as they try and sign the Belgian Romelu Lukaku ahead of Serie A rivals Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri are keen to sign Lukaku, with Antonio Conte speaking about his admiration for the former Chelsea and Everton striker, who has not featured for the Red Devils in pre-season yet.
However, Dybala said that he wants to stay at Juventus and fight for his place under Sarri.
“Fabio Paratici [Sporting director] knows what I want to do next year – to keep playing here. He knows that next year I want to continue here. Then it doesn’t depend on me.” Dybala said.
“But society knows it – next year I want to stay here. I have a lot of respect for this shirt and for these fans, and because of this I will only talk about Juventus, not about other teams, because that seems to me a lack of respect.” Dybala added.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur could be topped in an ambitious move to sign Dybala as support for Harry Kane. Rated at £80m so any deal would smash the club’s transfer record for a second time this summer.