Man Utd plan raid on Brazilian midfield star Guardiola 'regrets' missing out on

Manchester United are keen to bring in Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz in a swap deal that would send Joshua Zirkzee to the Italian giants.

The deal, if completed, would reunite Luiz with the Premier League five-and-a-half years after Pep Guardiola allowed him to leave Manchester City.

The 26-year-old Brazilian has endured a difficult season since leaving Aston Villa for Juventus last summer.

Under the management of Thiago Motta, Luiz has struggled to settle in Turin, prompting speculation about his future.

Juventus are reportedly open to using Luiz in a swap deal, with Zirkzee as the potential trade piece.

Zirkzee, like Luiz, has found it hard to adapt to his current environment but remains a sought-after talent in Serie A.

The Dutchman previously shone during a standout season at Bologna, helping them achieve Champions League qualification.

Any potential deal hinges on multiple factors, particularly at Manchester United, where the futures of key midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro remain uncertain.

Mainoo, 19, has yet to agree on a new contract at Old Trafford despite his emergence as a first-team regular and England international.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for the teenager, whose current deal runs until 2027 but includes an option to extend for a further year.

Mainoo’s concerns reportedly include the club’s trajectory, with the teenager eager to compete in the Champions League. If he were to leave, Luiz would be seen as an ideal replacement for the United academy graduate.

Casemiro has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Christian Eriksen is not viewed as a long-term option in United’s midfield, making Luiz’s potential arrival a logical fit.

If Luiz does join United, Pep Guardiola may rue the circumstances that led to the midfielder’s departure from Manchester City.

Signed from Vasco da Gama in 2017, Luiz was loaned to Girona but was denied a UK work permit upon his return. City’s appeals to the FA were unsuccessful, forcing Luiz to spend another season on loan.

Villa capitalized on his performances in Spain, signing Luiz for £15 million in 2019.

Reflecting on the situation, Guardiola expressed his frustration: "He would be here if the work permit had been possible. But sometimes life is like this. He has the quality to play with us, but it could not happen."

With Mainoo’s future uncertain and Casemiro potentially leaving, United are keen to strengthen their midfield.

Luiz’s Premier League experience and all-around abilities make him a strong candidate to fill the void if Mainoo departs.

While Zirkzee’s move to Juventus is still speculative, his desire to return to Serie A adds feasibility to the deal.

With the January transfer window open, all parties have limited time to finalize the intricate negotiations, but Luiz’s arrival at Old Trafford could be a crucial step in reshaping United’s midfield.