Transfer Rumour: Manchester United set to rival Real Madrid in Paulo Dybala pursuit

Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Juventus superstar Paulo Dybala, who is also being tailed by Real Madrid.

According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Manchester United are ready to launch a move for Paulo Dybala in the January transfer window. Real Madrid are also interested in signing the Argentine international, who is likely to be the subject of a €120 million bid from the Premier League heavyweights.

Dybala might have established himself as a stalwart in Italian football owing to his exploits with Palermo and Juventus. But, his place in the Bianconeri’s first-team setup seems to be in jeopardy for the first time in over three years following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Having started just one of the three games that Juventus have played so far this season, there is a sense that Dybala could be expendable, and an unhappy customer over the course of the season. The hit in stature hasn’t gone unnoticed either, with Real Madrid and Manchester United showing an interest in him.

At Real Madrid, Dybala could go a long way in filling the void left by the departure of Ronaldo. The 24-year-old could offer added creativity in addition to another potent goal threat that could provide Julen Lopetegui with an option to shuffle his system, if need be, or just inculcate the player in the current formation.

Manchester United, on the other hand, could do with a player like Dybala, considering their struggles in the final third. In addition to being a solid number 10, the Argentine could also slot in on the right flank, which is another area of the pitch Jose Mourinho has struggled to bolster ever since his arrival at Old Trafford.

The report suggests that Manchester United are ready to make a move for the Juventus superstar in the January transfer window, and are willing to offer as much as €120 million in a bid to secure his services. But, there is no indication as to whether Real Madrid are ready to test Juventus’s resolve with a bid in the winter.

Calciomercato also claim that Manchester United could use the Bianconeri’s interest in Paul Pogba to broker a move for Dybala. However, it seems unlikely that Massimiliano Allegri will allow a prized asset such as the 24-year-old to depart in January, even if he is deemed to be surplus to requirements, as he could be a crucial cog in Juve’s bid for a Champions League title.

Manchester United might also face a tall order in pursuit of Dybala, whose first preference is reportedly to join Real Madrid. A January move though, seems unlikely, for Dybala and Pogba, although a summer battle could be on the cards for the two clubs, and perhaps several others, if the player is unable to regain his place as a regular over the course of this season.