Following weeks of circulating rumors, it appears that a sought-after Manchester United star could be on his way out this January, with European giants making progress on a deal.
Following the Reds’ 2-2 draw away at Tottenham, new United summer signing Benjamin Šeško was forced off the field in the final 10 minutes of the game after sustaining a knee injury, leaving the team with 10 men to finish the game.
With the severity of this injury still unclear, it has left Rúben Amorim and Manchester United in an awkward position regarding the number nine position.
With there being a reasonable chance of Šesko potentially being on the sidelines for a considerable length of time, this has led to rumours beginning to swirl of potential January activity for United.
This injury has now also had an impact on the future of United forward Joshua Zirkzee, who was previously linked with a loan move away in January and may now be needed to help carry the load with United light up front.
However, following recent breakthrough talks, the Dutchman’s future at United continues to hang in the balance.
Roma make breakthrough in talks for Zirkzee
With numerous outlets previously reporting on AS Roma’s interest in the Dutch forward, recent reports from sportwitness have since claimed that Roma have now made a significant breakthrough in talks surrounding a loan move for the forward.
Reports claim that Roma have had contact with Zirkzee’s entourage on a daily basis, following an apparent opening in negotiations from United.
With the Dutchman reportedly eyeing up a spot in Ronald Koeman’s 2026 World Cup squad, Zirkzee believes a loan away from United will provide him with the best chance of doing so.
However, whether United will be willing to sanction a move for Zirkzee in January is yet to be seen, with the club ideally looking to hold onto the forward till the end of the season at least.
The potential risk in Zirkzee’s exit
With Šeško’s injury, as previously mentioned, potentially already leaving United light up top, a move away for Zirkzee could leave Ruben Amorim’s squad in a vulnerable position.
However, the report also claims that a potential loan deal move for Zirkzee would include a buy option in the summer for the Giallorossi, which could potentially lead United to lining up a replacement ready for January.
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In recent days one of the main names mentioned in a move to United has been young Borussia Dortmund striker Karim Adeyemi, amongst others such as the young Brazilian Victor Roque.
Regardless, with Zirkzee still ultimately being a United player and any concrete reports of a move away yet to be confirmed by any mainstream journalists, we can only assume the club is sticking to their original plans and intends to keep Zirkzee at Old Trafford.
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