Manchester United attacker Joshua Zirkzee is a late summer target for Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven, according to a report.
The 24-year-old has been bumped down the Old Trafford pecking order by the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha and is yet to play a single minute of Premier League football this season.
Zirkzee was once again an unused substitute in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Fulham, although he remains in favour ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, who is advancing in talks over a move to Serie A champions Napoli.
Talk of Zirkzee leaving the club has quietened down owing to the Hojlund to Napoli links, as Ruben Amorim may be loath to lose two senior attackers in the same window, but the Dutchman could supposedly still have chances to depart.
According to CaughtOffside, PSV are now weighing up an 'ambitious' move for the former Bologna and Bayern Munich attacker after current number nine Alassane Plea was ruled out until 2026 with a knee injury.
Man United's Zirkzee the 'perfect candidate' for PSV transfer
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee on December 30, 2024
PSV have allegedly identified Zirkzee as the 'perfect candidate' to fill Plea's boots, and the Dutch champions are now set to open negotiations with Man United over a loan deal for the 24-year-old.
The report adds that PSV are yet to make a formal approach to the 20-time English champions, but they have a clear plan in place and can offer Zirkzee guaranteed minutes in the starting XI as their number one striker.
Man United transfer chiefs would supposedly be open to loaning out Zirkzee if he was assured of regular game time at his new destination, which is also critical for the player as he aims for a spot in the Netherlands' 2026 World Cup squad.
Despite also working on a deal for Hojlund, Napoli are believed to be monitoring developments surrounding Zirkzee's future in case a move for the former falls through, as Antonio Conte also seeks injury cover for the stricken Romelu Lukaku.
Zirkzee still has four years left to run on his Man United contract, but the attacker has only managed seven goals and three assists in 49 matches for the Red Devils across all competitions since his arrival last summer.
Can Man United afford to let Zirkzee leave in summer transfer window?
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee on December 15, 2024
Not only are Man United working to get Hojlund off of their wage bill; the Red Devils are desperately trying to find new stomping grounds for Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho, all of whom have no future under Amorim.
Marcus Rashford has already left for Barcelona as well, but if Amorim is not going to bring on Zirkzee when his side need a goal against Arsenal or Fulham, the Portuguese's feelings about the Dutchman could hardly be clearer.
It may still take another arrival in central midfield to make an exit for Zirkzee feasible, as that signing would give Bruno Fernandes licence to operate in one of the number 10 roles, where Mason Mount is also playing his way into Amorim's good books.
However, United have enough cover and versatility to cope with a couple of injuries up top, and for the sake of his World Cup chances, Zirkzee must seek out a move to a new club where minutes - and potentially goals - are a guarantee.
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