West Ham United are showing interest in a mid-season move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
The London Stadium side are reportedly among several clubs monitoring the Dutch international, who has struggled for regular playing time under manager Ruben Amorim at the start of the campaign.
Romano suggests that while Zirkzee remains focused on fighting for his place at Old Trafford, his difficult situation in Manchester could force the forward to consider an exit in January.
West Ham, as well as Italian clubs, are said to be keeping an eye on the 'elite' 24-year-old, who has so far made just four substitute appearances for United this term, amassing 82 minutes on the pitch.
West Ham Eyeing Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee Manchester United
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that West Ham have made initial calls to understand Zirkzee’s situation ahead of the January transfer window:
“Zirkzee is basically not playing that much [this season]. So, obviously, not happy with the current game time, but it doesn't mean that Zirkzee is unhappy with Man United or Zirkzee is pushing for a move.
“Obviously, if they get to January in the next three months and Zirkzee keeps not playing, that could be a possibility for Zirkzee to explore a move away in a World Cup season, but at the moment nothing about this.
“We will see in January, but it will depend on the game time. Zirkzee, obviously, like all the players in the world, wants to play football. He's young. He wants to develop. He wants to be an important part of the team.
“At the moment he's not playing that much. Man United only play at the moment one competition. So that's why the situation is probably complicated. But again, Zirkzee is not forcing a move out of Manchester United.
“Zirkzee could move if, in January, he is still not playing that much. There is interest from several clubs in Italy and also in England.
“For example, West Ham are showing some interest in Joshua, but at the moment, nothing more than this.
“Just some calls to understand the situation and that's it. We will see what's going to happen for the January transfer window. Still early to say with Zirkzee focused on Manchester United.”
Zirkzee, who last started a Premier League game in April, has fallen down Amorim’s pecking order following the summer arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
The Dutch forward joined the Red Devils last year in a £36.5m deal from Serie A side Bologna and made 49 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
A mid-season departure from Old Trafford could help the forward boost his chances of making the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Zirkzee has yet to feature for Oranje in 2025, having been overlooked by Ronald Koeman again for October’s international break, with his last cap coming in November 2024.