Manchester United are reportedly looking to complete a deal that would see Joshua Zirkzee leave the club in a similar transfer to Marcus Rashford's departure last year
Joshua Zirkzee looks on
Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move away from Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
View Image
Manchester United are reportedly lining up a deal for Joshua Zirkzee similar to what they had in place for Marcus Rashford. Zirkzee’s future at United has been the subject of intense speculation for some time, and there are continuous rumours that a departure could be on the cards.
Zirkzee made just 26 appearances for United last season and was handed just five starts in the Premier League by both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick across the campaign.
United spent last summer investing in their forward line to strengthen the attacking options in the squad, with Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha all moving to Old Trafford.
Zirkzee’s game time was mostly restricted to substitute appearances last term, which has now led to rumours that the Netherlands international could leave Old Trafford this summer.
Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Juventus have expressed an interest in signing Zirkzee this summer, but only on a loan deal.
The report claims that Juventus are looking to sign Zirkzee on a season-long loan, which will include an option to buy at the end of the campaign.
While the report does not state the fee that would be involved if United were to sell Zirkzee, it has been claimed that it would be a similar agreement that saw Rashford move to Barcelona last summer.
Separate reports have suggested that United would look for a fee between €35million (£30million) and €40million (£34.2million).
Rashford joined the La Liga giants just 12 months ago on a loan which included the option to make the move permanent this summer for a £26million fee.
Barcelona chose not to sign Rashford on a permanent basis, despite the England international scoring 14 goals across his loan at the Camp Nou, and went on to sign Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi
It has been reported that Juventus and United are hopeful of agreeing a deal for Zirkzee to take the striker to Turin before the end of the month.
United have until September 1 to complete their transfer business, with three new signings completed so far this summer, with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow all moving to Old Trafford.