Manchester United are prepared to listen to Roma’s offer for forward Joshua Zirkzee, according to Gazetta dello Sport.
United have been weighing up whether to let Zirkzee leave, due to the potential departure of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Roma have submitted a loan-plus-option-to-buy offer for the Bayern Munich academy graduate, which becomes mandatory if they qualify for the Champions League.
The Serie A table-toppers have made Zirkzee a priority target as they seek to strengthen their attack in the January transfer window.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has a long-standing interest in Zirkzee, who is reportedly ready to work under the former Atalanta boss.
The 24-year-old wants to leave Old Trafford to get more playing time, boosting his chances of being included in the Netherlands squad for next year’s World Cup.
Zirkzee made his first start of the season in Monday’s Premier League 1-0 defeat to Everton at Old Trafford, but he is unlikely to retain his place in the starting line-up for long.
A return to the Italian top flight could help Zirkzee regain his best form. He was named the league’s Best U23 Player and earned a place in the Team of the Year for the 2023/2024 season.
United will need to react quickly, as Roma have already identified Midtjylland’s Franculino Dju and Nottingham Forest’s Arnaud Kalimuendo as alternatives to Zirkzee.
United’s decision to let the former Bologna forward leave could open the door for youngsters Shea Lacey, Jack Fletcher, and Chido Obi to get playing time with the first team.
Manager Ruben Amorim has expressed his confidence in Lacey and Fletcher and named the former in the matchday squad for the Everton clash.
Obi, meanwhile, is no stranger to the first team, having made eight appearances across all competitions last season.
Stats from transfermarkt.com