Francisco Conceicao to Manchester United talks continue as Juventus discuss Joshua Zirkzee deal

Manchester United remain in discussions over a potential move for Francisco Conceicao, while separate negotiations involving Joshua Zirkzee continue between the Premier League club and Juventus.

According to reports in Italy, the two clubs are maintaining contact over multiple transfer matters, although any move for Conceicao would not be directly linked to Zirkzee's expected departure. Instead, the deals are understood to be progressing independently despite involving the same clubs and agent Jorge Mendes.

Juventus are believed to value Conceicao at around €70 million, a figure Manchester United have been made aware of during talks. Mendes is reportedly attempting to narrow the gap between the clubs after already helping Juventus complete the signing of Kerim Alajbegovic earlier this summer.

The Portuguese super-agent has once again emerged as a key figure in negotiations.

Italian reports suggest Mendes' recent cooperation with Juventus could strengthen his position when attempting to broker Conceicao's future. His close relationships with both clubs have previously helped facilitate complex transfers, and there is optimism that discussions will continue.

At the same time, Juventus are exploring a move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, who is expected to leave Old Trafford after an underwhelming spell in England. While both transfers involve the same clubs, they are not expected to form part of a player-exchange agreement.

The Portugal international established himself as an important player during his second season in Turin, contributing eight Serie A goals and taking on greater responsibility when Kenan Yildiz was unavailable.

His pace, dribbling ability and willingness to attack defenders made him a regular feature in Juventus' forward line, although questions remain over his consistency in the final third. While capable of creating danger in one-on-one situations, his decision-making and end product have occasionally frustrated supporters.

That inconsistency may explain why Juventus appear willing to listen to significant offers despite his importance to the squad.

From Manchester United's perspective, the potential transfer raises questions over squad priorities.

Amad Diallo remains one of Ruben Amorim's most trusted attacking options, while summer signing Bryan Mbeumo is also capable of operating from the right. Highly-rated academy prospect Shea Lacey has impressed during pre-season and offers another option in that position.

Spending around €70 million on another right-sided attacker would therefore represent a substantial investment in an area where United already possess several solutions.

However, transfer windows involving Jorge Mendes have often produced unexpected outcomes, particularly when multiple clubs and players are involved. With Zirkzee expected to move on, discussions between Manchester United and Juventus are likely to continue over the coming weeks.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions until formal offers and agreements are confirmed.

The immediate focus will be on whether Manchester United decide to meet Juventus' valuation or negotiate a lower fee with Mendes' assistance. Zirkzee's future could also become clearer in the coming days as Juventus continue discussions over personal terms and the structure of a separate transfer. Although the negotiations are progressing simultaneously, both deals are expected to stand on their own merits before any agreements are finalised.