Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United have received an official bid from AS Roma for an out-of-form star in January.
Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Manchester United has been anything but smooth. The Dutch forward joined from Bologna during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, only for the former Ajax manager to be replaced by Rúben Amorim just months later.
Zirkzee initially found himself second choice to Rasmus Højlund, a situation that persisted until early 2025. Just as he began to find form, a hamstring injury sustained against Newcastle United effectively ended his season. His only subsequent appearance came as a substitute in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
The setback also ruled him out of United’s post-season tour of Asia and the entire pre-season schedule, including matches in the United States and at Old Trafford.
The Netherlands international has been afforded just 394 minutes in the Premier League this season, scoring one goal, with his three starts this season coming when Benjamin Šeško was injured.
Man Utd receive official bid from Roma for Zirkzee
Zirkzee will be aiming to play at the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands, so he will be desperate to play more consistently and prove to Ronald Koeman that he can lead the line in the USA next summer.
Now, when speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that United have received an official bid from AS Roma for a January move for the 24-year-old.
“Manchester United have confirmed that they have received an official offer from Roma for Joshua Zirkzee.
“It is a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy, and Manchester United have confirmed, through intermediaries, that they have received this proposal from Roma.
“Manchester United, as I told you in the days before Christmas, are taking their time.”
Zirkzee attracted by the project offered by Roma
Talks have been advancing between Roma and Zirkzee’s camp for some time now, with the Italian side vowing to make the Dutch forward the cornerstone of their attack going forward, an attractive proposition for United’s out-of-favour striker.
Read More: Manchester United in “serious negotiations” for Ligue 1 star as Joshua Zirkzee replacement
One of the main sticking points over a potential deal is that United don’t want the striker to leave as soon as the transfer window opens, owing to their lack of forward options due to Amad and Bryan Mbeumo being at AFCON, and Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo being unavailable.
Romano has previously stated that the Italian side is pushing to sign the forward as soon as the window opens, with the club’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, pushing heavily for this.
With Roma seemingly guaranteeing minutes to the 24-year-old ahead of the World Cup in the summer, a deal looks like something of a formality, but United will be desperate to keep hold of him until at least those participating in AFCON return from their international duties.
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