Juventus are monitoring Manchester United striker Robin van Persie’s availability, but reports in the Italian media suggest that he is only viewed as a back-up transfer option.
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According to TuttoSport, the Dutchman is Plan B for the Serie A leaders, who have made Palermo attacker Paulo Dybala their primary target for the summer window.
Former Arsenal skipper van Persie has been sidelined during United’s resurgence, which has seen them climb to third in the Premier League table thanks in no small part to crucial wins over teams around them, namely Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester City.
The forward, who has netted 11 times in 26 outings, has not featured since suffering an ankle injury against Swansea City on February 21, and was not selected for yesterday’s 4-2 derby triumph over City despite returning to full training.
He has only one year remaining on his contract and the Red Devils could be tempted to cash in this summer, not least because his fitness record has deteriorated this term.
Dybala, who at the age of 21 is a decade younger than van Persie, also has little more than 12 months left on his current deal with Palermo, and the Serie A side are likely to have no shortage of offers in the coming months.
He has scored 13 goals in 28 league appearances in what has undoubtedly been his break-out campaign.
The fact that van Persie is said to be viewed as a back-up option for Juventus demonstrates the extent to which his stock has fallen this season.
With captain Wayne Rooney and the rejuvenated Marouane Fellaini the clear preference up front for United, and the likes of James Wilson and even Falcao waiting in the wings, he may struggle to earn the chance to prove himself in the final six games of the campaign.
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