Napoli have held ‘significant discussions’ over a summer move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, according to reports in Italy.
The Serie A side are looking to bring in a new striker to replace Romelu Lukaku and have identified Zirkzee as one of their potential targets, along with Fiorentina’s Moise Kean.
Zirkzee is expected to be on the move from Old Trafford after the season, having struggled for regular minutes under interim boss Michael Carrick in recent weeks.
The Dutch international has only managed 546 minutes of football across all competitions this season, making four starts and 16 appearances off the bench.
Napoli Hold Talks to Sign Joshua Zirkzee
Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee reacts to a decision vs Burnley
According to Napoli Magazine, Zirkzee’s representatives have been in contact with Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna over a potential summer return to Italy.
Napoli are reportedly keen on a deal for the 'elite' forward, who is valued at around €40m (£35m) by United ahead of the summer.
A fee in this region would allow United to almost recoup the £36.5m they spent on Zirkzee in the summer of 2024, when the Dutchman joined from Bologna on a five-year deal.
Zirkzee has played just 28 minutes across United’s last eight Premier League games, scoring his last goal in December’s 1-1 draw with Wolves.
Zirkzee Could Leave Alongside Casemiro
Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick embraces Casemiro
Manchester United have already started their squad reshuffle ahead of next season, with Casemiro’s departure at the end of his contract confirmed.
The Brazilian midfielder will call time on his four-year spell at Old Trafford in June and has already received an approach from MLS side Inter Miami.
United are expected to bring in at least one new midfielder to compensate for Casemiro’s departure and could also look to sign a new left-back, given Tyrell Malacia’s deal is expiring.
A new centre-forward could depend on Zirkzee’s exit, given United welcomed the trio of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo last summer.
Man Utd Interested in Nico Schlotterbeck
Nico Schlotterbeck
While a new midfielder appears top of the agenda, United have also registered their interest in signing Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck this summer.
According to reports, the Old Trafford side are keeping close tabs on the 26-year-old, who will enter the final year of his contract in June and has not ruled out a departure.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on vs West Ham Related
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