Roma are said to be pushing ahead with their desire to sign Joshua Zirkzee in January, although Manchester United are being staunch with their deal conditions.
The January transfer window is fast approaching, and Manchester United will be looking to reinforce their side under Rúben Amorim and improve their squad depth, which will push them towards the much-needed European spots.
United currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League following their 1-4 win over Wolves on Monday and have important fixtures over the next three games with matches against Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle, who are all fighting for European spots.
With AFCON starting in the coming week, United can expect to see the temporary departure of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui, who will all be representing their nations at the cup. This may cause United to look for new signings early in the January window to boost the squad.
Benjamin Sesko is expected to return from his knee injury in the coming week or so, with his recovery progressing well. He will be a much-needed boost to the side as United rotate between Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee.
Roma targeting move for Zirkzee in January
According to Sky Sports Italy, Italian giants Roma have begun to show interest in United striker Joshua Zirkzee. United signed Zirkzee from Bologna in the summer window of 2024, and the striker has featured in 58 games for the club.
Despite his frequent chances, Zirkzee hasn’t found his rhythm in a United shirt and has just eight goals so far for the club. Rumours around the Dutchman’s departure have begun to circulate following his poor form and the January window approaching.
Zirkzee could be a good fit for the Roma side, who currently sit fourth in Serie A. Roma have struggled to score this season, with just 15 goals in 14 league games. Adding a new striker to the side would be a positive move for them.
Reports from Sports Witness suggest that Roma are interested in a £4 million loan fee with the option of a £26 million obligation to buy if Roma reach the Champions League – a trick used by Napoli in the summer to convince United to give them Rasmus Højlund on loan for £5 million with a £36 million buy option.
However, it’s stressed that United have informed Roma they would rather cash in on the striker if he leaves and look for a more prolific replacement.
United need Sesko’s return to be quick
Zirkzee has scored once this season with a great finish against Crystal Palace. If he wishes to stay at Old Trafford and fight for the starting striker spot, he needs to take this opportunity with Sesko absent.
With AFCON departures and important fixtures, United need Sesko to return and hit the floor running. Mbuemo is United’s top scorer in the Premier League so far this season with six goals, and so United will feel his absence.
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Sesko scored twice in his eleven appearances in the league for United, earlier on in the season, but his link-up play and ability to get in behind the last line of defence looked like an important part of Amorim’s tactical setup.
With the Premier League’s competitive nature clearer than ever, with just six points separating fourth and thirteenth place, United need to make sure they get all three points in the important fixtures against other top competitors. Sesko, having a hot return to form upon his recovery, will be vital to this.
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