AS Roma have identified Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee as a target to improve their attack in the winter market.
Last week, Tuttosport reported Roma sporting director Frederic Massara could use his trip to Celtic to travel south and hold talks with Manchester United. The Serie A side sealed a 3-0 Europa League win over Celtic in Glasgow on Thursday.
Calciomercato now report Massara didn’t return to Italy after Roma’s clash against Celtic. Instead, there was a ‘London blitz for Zirkzee’.
The director met several agents in the English capital, including the Manchester United player’s representative, Kia Joorabchian.
At the weekend, we covered claims from Italy that the Serie A side have received good signs from the Dutchman’s agent. It was also reported Roma owners have given Massara permission to hold direct talks with Manchester United.
Calciomercato now state the Italian club are expected to have more contact with the Red Devils for the 24-year-old.
Manchester United want €50m – Negotiations would bring it lower
They could find it difficult to strike an agreement with Ruben Amorim’s side. It’s now claimed Manchester United are aiming high as their initial price is set at €50m.
This is too high for Roma, who are looking at a loan with obligation to buy depending on on CL qualification. Roma are currently fourth in the league table. Earlier reports stated the Serie A side are looking for a deal worth €35m including a loan fee.
Massara now wants to decide whether to continue pursuing Zirkzee or focus on other targets. Calciomercato report the ‘next few weeks will be crucial’ in Roma’s chase of the Manchester United man.
Il Messaggero says the London blitz for Zirkzee shows Roma are serious about him. Their owners are willing to make an effort but don’t intend to meet Manchester United’s €50m price. The report states a ‘significant discount’ of €10-15m is needed.