Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is open to a transfer in January, with West Ham United in the race to sign the Netherlands international
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United in action during a first team training session
Joshua Zirkzee wants to leave United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly considering a January transfer after spending the majority of the season on the bench.
West Ham are believed to be preparing a loan offer for the Dutch forward, who was signed by United ahead of last season.
Zirkzee has only made four appearances under manager Ruben Amorim this term and hasn't started a match yet.
The Dutch forward has played just 82 minutes of football this season, having been pushed down the pecking order following the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the transfer window.
Despite this, United are hesitant to let Zirkzee go, but that won't immediately deter West Ham, according to The i Paper. The former Bologna player is said to be exploring his options ahead of the winter transfer window.
The Premier League side could face competition from Italy for Zirkzee, with Napoli and Juventus previously linked, and Roma also reportedly interested.
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Reports also suggest that West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo would prefer a target man to help his team avoid relegation, someone more similar to Chris Wood than Zirkzee.
Earlier this season, United boss Amorim acknowledged the frustration of players like Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo. The Portuguese coach believes that transfer speculation is part and parcel of life at Old Trafford.
"I understand that but they are our players and we need everyone to have a good season," he stated. "I also know that in our club everything is a lot of noise.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United in action
Kobbie Mainoo is interested in a loan(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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"Players are not playing. They want to play, and there's a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players, talking all the time."
Amorim has spoken more extensively about Mainoo's situation. The midfielder has also found it difficult to get game time after a loan move was blocked in the summer.
"No, like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. I didn't have a conversation with him before the window closed – I did this week," Amorim revealed.
"Because I don't want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having any conversation with him just to hold on to him. I don't want that feeling.
"I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done (the finished article). I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot.
"I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for him it is not enough. Maybe it's not fair, but I think I'm helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that's it. He will have opportunities like the other guys."