[Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United heads towards the changing room after been substituted after 33 minutes during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Newcastle United FC at Old Trafford on December 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)](https://football-italia.net/roma-step-up-pursuit-of-man-utd-zirkzee/) Roma have intensified their efforts to sign Joshua Zirkzee, opening formal negotiations with Manchester United for the Dutch striker.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the move comes with the approval of the Friedkin ownership, who have recognised the need for attacking reinforcements after recent disappointing performances and with Evan Ferguson reportedly expected to return to Brighton.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on as he walks out of the tunnel to inspect the pitch prior to during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC at City Ground on April 01, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on as he walks out of the tunnel to inspect the pitch prior to during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC at City Ground on April 01, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Direct talks underway for Roma and Zirkzee
Roma sporting director Ricky Massara has moved beyond intermediary discussions and opened direct talks with Manchester United, who have been willing to consider Zirkzee’s departure for some time.
The forward was left on the bench again during United’s 4-1 victory over Wolves, despite the absence of Sesko, a decision understood to have strengthened the player’s intention to leave the Premier League.
Roma have held discussions with Zirkzee’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, in recent weeks, and the Dutchman is open to a return to Serie A following his previous spell at Bologna. However, negotiations with Manchester United are expected to be complex.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 20: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on during a Manchester United training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Carrington Training Ground on May 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images) (Roma links)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 20: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on during a Manchester United training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Carrington Training Ground on May 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
The English club prefer a loan with an obligation to buy set at around €35m, while Roma are hoping to link the obligation to Champions League qualification and reduce the overall sum.
There is a sense of urgency within Trigoria, with Gasperini pushing for an additional forward to address the team’s lack of goals.
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