Joshua Zirkzee is actively exploring January options to leave Manchester United as he looks to boost his World Cup chances, talkSPORT understands.
The 24-year-old Dutch forward has made only five appearances this season, totalling 90 minutes collectively, and is yet to score.
Zirkzee is eyeing a January move away from United after falling out of favour
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Zirkzee is eyeing a January move away from United after falling out of favourCredit: Getty
The arrival of Benjamin Sesko has pushed Zirkzee further down the pecking order, even though Rasmus Højlund left for Napoli over the summer.
Fellow new signing Matheus Cunha has also been used as No.9 meaning Zirkzee has had limited opportunities.
Zirkzee played 59 minutes off the bench in United’s 3-2 win over Burnley in August after Cunha went off injured, but every other appearance this season has been ten minutes or less.
Zirkzee is not agitating to leave permanently in January, but is open to a loan with a view to playing regularly ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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The 24-year-old was left out of Ronald Koeman's Netherlands squad for October's World Cup qualifier wins over Malta and Finland.
He was part of Euro 2024, but now faces a battle to win back a place in the Netherlands squad.
AZ Alkmaar’s 22-year-old forward Mexx Meerdink was preferred to him during the last international break.
Strasbourg forward Emanuel Emegha is also expected to make the 2026 World Cup squad, after which he'll join Chelsea.
Wout Weghorst, Memphis Depay, Donyell Malen, Justin Kluivert and Cody Gakpo are other regulars in the Netherlands team and options up front.
Who could sign Zirkzee?
Roma is viewed as a viable loan destination for Zirkzee and talkSPORT understands some initial contact has now taken place.
Zirkzee has yet to score in five appearances for United so far this season
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Zirkzee has yet to score in five appearances for United so far this seasonCredit: Getty
Brighton loanee Evan Ferguson is yet to register a goal and could be sent back to his parent club in January, while Ukraine international Artem Dovbyk scored just his second Serie A goal on Wednesday in a 2-1 victory over Parma.
West Ham and PSV are two other clubs monitoring Zirkzee.
Lille also hold a historical interest, but former Rangers forward Hamza Igamane's seven goals in 11 games now make adding another forward less of a priority for the Ligue 1 side.
The opposite can be said for West Ham, who will almost certainly add a striker in January, with new manager Nuno Espirito Santo seeking a target man.
With Niclas Fullkrug injured and Callum Wilson on an expensive incentivised contract, heavily influenced by how he plays and performs, West Ham have limited options to their lead misfiring line.
Zirkzee is understood to be open to staying in the Premier League.
The forward is looking to earn a Netherlands recall ahead of the 2026 World Cup
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The forward is looking to earn a Netherlands recall ahead of the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty
talkSPORT understands Zirkzee is yet to hold formal talks with United over his future, but that's expected to change in November.
Amorim still values the Dutch forward as a squad player, believing he offers different attributes to other attackers and is capable of defending from the front.
As a result, there is no guarantee the Red Devils sanction a loan, having told Kobbie Mainoo last summer a temporary move was off the table.
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Unless United add another striker in January, and get 100 percent wage coverage for Zirkzee, he could yet be forced to fight for his place at Old Trafford.
But without guarantees of game time, Zirkzee would prefer to be loaned mid-season since he knows if his minutes continue to be limited, he is likely to miss the World Cup this summer.