Everton have been linked with a move for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the 11pm transfer deadline
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United has been linked with Everton(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee is being linked with a deadline-day move to Everton before the summer transfer window closes. Zirkzee’s future has been the subject of speculation throughout the summer, with a move away from Old Trafford being the most likely for several months.
A host of clubs have been credited with an interest in signing Zirkzee throughout the window, including Fiorentina and Juventus, which would have seen the Netherlands international return to Serie A.
However, it seems that Zirkzee could remain in the Premier League, with Everton emerging as a potential destination.
Everton have made an offer to United in an attempt to try and sign Zirkzee on loan as they look to add a new striker to their squad.
The Toffees have also been linked with signing Monaco striker Folarin Balogun over the last few days, but there have been reports that the deal could be in doubt ahead of the deadline.
As a result, it has been suggested that Zirkzee has been identifed by Everton as a potential alternative for Balogun, should a deal for the former Arsenal striker not get completed.
As of 90 minutes before the 11pm deadline, it's understood that United are yet to make a decision on whether or not to agree to Everton's offer to sign Zirkzee on loan.
It's also understood that Zirkzee himself would be open to a move to Everton, although it would leave United with no time to sign a replacement.
Zirkzee has seen himself fall down the pecking order at Old Trafford over the last 12 months, particularly after United’s transfer business last summer.
Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha all signed for United last year, which resulted in Zirkzee having limited minutes on the pitch last term and prompted rumours that a departure could be on the cards this summer.
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Zirkzee is yet to make an appearance for United this season, having been named as an unused substitute in both of their opening Premier League matches against Hull City and Ipswich Town.
Carrick was asked about the possibility of United adding more signings to their squad after the 5-2 win over Ipswich over the weekend.
"It's always difficult to say, to be honest, when there's so little time left," Carrick said when asked if he expected to add to his squad.
"I think the situation that we're in, I think the business that we've managed to do, I'm pleased with. I think we're a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team.
"Adding Marcus [Rashford] into that feels like a new signing. So, in that respect, we're quite happy. We're always open to if there's something else to be able to add, so I wouldn't shut that down, but as it stands, we'll have to wait and see."