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A look at the potential Man Utd kit for next season. | Getty Images
This Manchester United ace is the subject of significant transfer interest ahead of the January window
As the January transfer window fast approaches, Manchester United are considering their moves to prepare for the second half of the season.
A number of player have been linked with an Old Trafford exit recently as the club focus on a significant team restructure, particularly in midfield.
There is another player United are looking to free from their wage bill. Rumours surrounding the future of Joshua Zirkzee are ramping up, as his place at Old Trafford continues to be cast into doubt.
Club receives ‘green light’ to negotiate Joshua Zirkzee deal
While Zirkzee has been struggling for regular minutes under Ruben Amorim, he isn’t short of clubs showing interest in him. In fact, Serie A is eager to see him back on Italian soil, after he impressed during his time with Bologna.
According to Calciomercato, Man United are now ‘looking to capitalise’ on the sale of Zirkzee, who has made just three Premier League starts this season. The angle of a loan deal with an obligation to buy has been heavily mentioned, but only in the second half of the January window.
United are looking to avoid losing extra players until those headed for the Africa Cup of Nations are back in Manchester. Therefore, they will reportedly only consider offloading Zirkzee during the final stages of the window.
Roma are increasing their presence in the chase for the Dutchman’s signature and the club sporting director has now ‘received the green light’ from owners the Friedkin Group to negotiate with United.
The report claims that Roma have secured ‘almost complete openness’ from Zirkzee’s agent Kia Joorabchian, and the player would be ‘thrilled’ to return to Serie A.
Will Man United sell Joshua Zirkzee?
As things stand, no negotiations have been discussed yet over a deal for Zirkzee. Roma will first need to reach a financial agreement with the striker, who currently earns a reported €4 million (£3.5m) per season.
The two parties are said to be considering a deal many outlets have suggested for weeks now - a loan with an obligation to buy clause included. The total package amount is being quoted at €35 million (£31m), which actually isn’t far off what United paid for the 24-year-old in the first place.
The Red Devils brought Zirkzee to the club last summer for a fee of £36.5 million. Considering he has scored just eight goals since signing for United, it has not put clubs off the idea of forking out decent cash for his transfer.
Despite these reports, Sky Sports claimed earlier this week that Zirkzee actually wants to fight for his place in Amorim’s squad, even with Roma’s interest building. These coming weeks will certainly prove interesting with further updates on Zirkzee’s situation.
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