Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee scored a smart goal against Crystal Palace at the weekend and then made it clear he’s happy at Old Trafford.
AS Roma have been interested in the Dutchman for weeks, but now they could be looking to abandon their chase of the player.
Today’s Corriee dello Sport reports the track to signing the Manchester United player is ‘increasingly difficult’ for the Italian side.
This is partly because the 24-year-old’s entourage is demanding high commission payments.
More than that, Manchester United aren’t keen on a loan. They would only consider a permanent sale and this isn’t something Roma can afford.
Ruben Amorim’s side will lose Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo to the AFCON later this month. Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha are already out injured and they can’t afford to lose Zirkzee in January.
That Zirkzee is starting more often now is ‘not a good sign’ for the Giallorossi, who are close to waving the white flag. The newspaper explain a ‘search is underway’ for alternatives, with Tottenham’s Mathys Tel and Nottingham Forest’s Arnaud Kalimuendo other options.