Fiorentina have made a fresh proposal to Manchester United for striker Joshua Zirkzee amid interest from Juventus and Atletico Madrid, according to Corriere dello Sport (page 16).
The Dutchman has been a fringe player for the Red Devils over the past 12 months. He was an unused substitute during the 2-0 defeat to Hull City in the Premier League opener.
Zirkzee has made up his mind to move on. The 25-year-old recently broke his pact with Juventus and has opened the door to joining Fiorentina before the transfer window closes.
Corriere dello Sport now reveal that Fiorentina are still aware of the competition from Juventus and Atletico, and are determined to win the race for the former Bologna man.
They have put forward a package worth £34 million to sign the Netherlands ace.
Fiorentina are prepared to pay £4-5m to sign the versatile striker on loan with an option to buy (£29-30m) that could become an obligation under certain conditions.
La Viola anticipate a response from the Red Devils’ hierarchy today.
Man Utd should seek suitable terms for the buy clause
The 25-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at United. He is no longer the immediate back-up for Benjamin Sesko upfront, despite him being a specialist centre-forward.
Manager Michael Carrick has utilised Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha as a number nine when Sesko has been injured or left out of the XI. Zirkzee has quite often stayed on the bench.
With Marcus Rashford back at the club after a successful loan stint at Barcelona, Carrick now has another option for the striker’s position, which should further hamper Zirkzee’s minutes.
Hence, it is unsurprising that Zirkzee is looking for a way out before the window closes on Tuesday.
Fiorentina have come forward with an offer ahead of Juventus and Atletico. The Serie A outfit have made a tempting proposal worth £34m for the Dutchman, but the terms should be favourable.
United should not accept a conditional buy obligation based on European qualification, considering La Viola finished 15th in Serie A last term and faced a relegation battle at one point.
The clause should be based on either a set of appearances during the campaign or the number of goals scored. Ideally, it should activate after 30 appearances or 10 goals this season.
It remains to be seen how United respond to Fiorentina’s offer on the table.
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