Man Utd now prepared to discuss deal for £36m star with Serie A giants - report

Manchester United are prepared to negotiate with Roma for Joshua Zirkzee in January, according to Italian outlet Leggo.

The Netherlands international signed for the Red Devils from Bologna for £36 million in July 2024 and he has since struggled to cement a regular starting role.

Zirkzee played second fiddle to Rasmus Hojlund upfront last season.

He has faced a similar situation this campaign, with summer signings Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko preferred to lead the line under manager Ruben Amorim.

Leggo now claim that Roma have been in daily contact with Zirkzee’s entourage.

United are reportedly willing to negotiate a loan deal with an option to buy in January.

The Giallorossi are prepared to terminate Evan Ferguson’s loan deal from Brighton & Hove Albion to compensate for Zirkzee’s arrival this winter.

Ferguson could end up joining Everton on loan for the rest of the season. The Friedkin Group currently own the Giallorossi as well as the Toffees.

United could resist Zirkzee’s exit amid speculation

Zirkzee made the perfect start to his United career with a winner off the bench against Fulham in the Premier League.

However, he has managed only two goals and two assists from his next 35 league outings for the Mancunian giants.

Zirkzee is no doubt gifted with plenty of pace and mobility, but the Dutchman has struggled to cope with the league’s physicality.

Hence, he has gone entirely out of the picture and has not started a single match for the Red Devils in the current season.

Despite this, United could resist the prospect of parting ways with him until next summer.

Zirkzee obviously wants to revive his playing career in a familiar environment in Serie A in order to boost his World Cup hopes.

However, Amorim may want sufficient attacking depth in the squad during the second half of the campaign.

Benjamin Sesko suffered a knee injury during the 2-2 league draw against Tottenham Hotspur on the road last weekend. The exact timescale for his return remains unknown.

Meanwhile, United will be without forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo for several weeks in December and January due to their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations.

United’s hierarchy may feel Zirkzee has a chance to redeem himself under Amorim, given he can operate as a number 10 too. The Sun claim that the Red Devils have informed the Dutchman that he has ‘no chance‘ of leaving this winter.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .