Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada in conversation ahead of Manchester United's clash with Manchester City
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada in conversation ahead of Manchester United's clash with Manchester City
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee's agent is reportedly set for showdown talks with Ineos in the coming days to discuss their plan for the January transfer window and beyond.
Zirkzee only arrived at Old Trafford in the summer but has struggled to settle in the Premier League. MEN Sport recently reported that there were some concerns from those behind the scenes at United that the Dutchman was not cut out to make it in England.
Nevertheless, he has been given an opportunity under new head coach Ruben Amorim but barring a brace against Everton, has struggled to impact matches. On Sunday, Rasmus Hojlund was preferred to Zirkzee up top with the former Bologna man making a 12 minute cameo for the Reds.
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According to TuttoSport, Juventus are eyeing a move for Zirkzee in the January transfer window and have expressed to his agent Kia Joorabchian that they would only be able to afford a loan switch. Juve are currently managed by Zirkzee's former Bologna boss Thiago Motta who would reportedly jump at the chance to work with the 23-year-old again.
As such, Joorabchian is set to sit down with Ineos' decision makers in the next few days to discover what they wish to do with Zirkzee this winter. Should Zirkzee depart on loan or permanently in January, United will be forced to dip into the transfer market to bring in cover.
The Dutchman leaving would leave Hojlund as the only recognised centre-forward at the club. Marcus Rashford has also played in the No.9 role but he appears to be out of favour currently having been dropped from the squad that crossed the city to face Manchester City on Sunday.
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