Manchester United and Chelsea boost as Juventus decide to sell star in january

Manchester United and Chelsea could be set for a transfer battle after reports in Italy suggested Juventus will put striker Dušan Vlahović on the market in the upcoming January window.

The Serie A giants do not want to risk losing the Serbian forward for free when his contract expires next summer, so they are preparing to cash in while they still can.

Both United and Chelsea have been long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, who previously made headlines with his prolific spell at Fiorentina. Vlahović scored 49 goals in 108 games for La Viola before securing a big-money move to Turin.

Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus and Igor Tudor of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio.

At Juventus, however, his numbers have been less consistent. He has netted 62 times in 150 appearances, a solid return but short of the explosive form that earned him his reputation in Florence.

For clubs like Chelsea and United, Vlahović’s situation represents a potential bargain. With his contract ticking down, Juventus will likely accept a cut-price fee in January rather than lose him for nothing in June.

Chelsea, in particular, could use more firepower following Nicolas Jackson’s loan departure and Liam Delap’s injury setback.

Meanwhile, United’s summer signing Benjamin Šeško is still adapting and has yet to find the net, leaving manager Rúben Amorim in need of a proven goalscorer.Although Vlahović has struggled at times in Turin, he has not lost his natural ability.

Damien Comolli , general manager of Juventus Fc shakes hand with Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus Fc at the end of the friendly football match

Many believe a change of environment could help him rediscover the confidence and sharpness that made him one of Europe’s most wanted strikers just a few years ago.

For now, all eyes will be on January, when Juventus officially open the door for offers  and it could spark a Premier League tug-of-war between two of England’s biggest clubs.