Manchester United’s interest in Kenan Yildiz, an attacking midfielder from Juventus, has been confirmed by a reliable source in Italy. The potential transfer could happen if Juventus does not make it to the Champions League next season.

Yildiz, who is 19 years old, has become a crucial player under the management of Thiago Motta at Juventus. However, despite his strong performances, the team has been struggling this season to secure a spot in the Champions League, leading to uncertainties about Motta’s future as the head coach.

If Juventus fails to secure a place in the prestigious Champions League – they are currently one point behind the top four with nine games remaining – they may need to sell players to compensate for the financial loss. Yildiz is among the players that could be put up for sale in such a scenario.

The Turkiye international is thought to be happy with Juve and club officials would also be reluctant to agree to a sale, but there is growing interest in Yildiz’s services. Reports on Wednesday suggested United are among those looking to capitalise, and Sky Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio has confirmed the interest is real.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Yildiz could be sacrificed regardless of qualification because he is the most sought after, there are many teams [interested] like Manchester United,” he said on Italian television. “His sacrifice could lead to other investments like Juve did last year.”

As a highly rated 19-year-old whose contract runs until 2029, Yildiz would command a significant fee if he was to be sold this summer, with reports naming Juve’s asking price at anywhere between €80m-€90m (£67m-£75m).

United, while prepared to invest in Ruben Amorim’s squad, would have to sell players to raise that sort of money, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo believed to be among those who could be sold to finance a summer rebuild.

Yildiz is not the only player on United’s radar, however. RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons is understood to be an attacking target, while the Red Devils also have a four-man shortlist of possible striker options as they prepare to completely rejuvenate their squad.