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A Man United attacker has been linked with a move away in the January transfer window.
However, the Red Devils have shown recently that they have improved in certain areas, none more so than scoring goals. Last year, Amorim’s side was one of the lowest-scoring teams, yet over the weekend, they were able to net four goals against Bournemouth.
With that in mind, Man United have been linked to letting one of their strikers leave in January, as they no longer need him. Joshua Zirkzee’s role has been significantly reduced in recent months, which has sparked reports of a possible exit for the Dutchman. Serie A side Roma remain interested and in talks for his signature.
Italian media provide ‘miles apart’ Zirkzee update
Heading into January, Roma wants to sign a striker, and all the reports indicate that Zirkzee is their first choice option in the transfer market. They are in talks with the player’s entourage, but it is also understood that Zirkzee wants to stay and fight for his place at United.
According to Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport, Roma would like to sign Zirkzee by reaching a full agreement with the player first, before then forcing Man United’s hand. However, they claim that Man United would demand around £31m for Zirkzee, which is ‘miles apart’ from what Roma wants to pay.
The Italian club are considering a loan deal with a compensation fee of around £4m to £5m. They also want an obligation or option to buy Zirkzee in the loan deal, in an attempt to spread the cost of a deal for the striker, rather than pay Man United’s valuation up front.
It is likely to make a deal less likely in January, unless Roma can convince the player to move, so that seems to be the key strand to focus on: whether the Italian side can convince Zirkzee to join them.
Zirkzee wants to stay at Man United
The issue for Roma at the moment is that, the one person they need to convince for the transfer to happen, currently wants to stay at Man United, and battle against the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha for a starting role.
Reports earlier in December said that Zirkzee wants to fight for his place, and has no interest in leaving in the January window. Furthermore, that actually seems a likely case too, as Man United lost Bryan Mbeumo to AFCON recently, meaning that they are short on attackers.
If Ruben Amorim didn’t want to play Sesko up front, then he likely wouldn’t play Cunha there either as the Brazilian would keep his place as a number 10. So, the next logical replacement would be Zirkzee. So far this season, the Dutchman has made nine Premier League appearances, scoring one goal so far.
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