Club have made "official bid" to sign £36.5m Man Utd star, personal terms agreed - Romano
Manchester United have received an official bid from Roma to sign striker Joshua Zirkzee during the winter transfer window, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Netherlands international has been a fringe player for the Red Devils this campaign. He has made only three starts in the Premier League under manager Ruben Amorim.
Zirkzee was evidently poor during his substitute appearance against Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Romano has now provided a big update on Roma’s pursuit of the Dutchman.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said that United have received an ‘official bid’ from Roma for Zirkzee via intermediaries. They have proposed a loan deal with a potential obligation to buy.
The striker has already agreed personal terms with the Giallorossi, but a deal depends on United and manager Ruben Amorim, having missed out on landing Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
He said: “Manchester United via intermediaries have received an official bid from Roma for Joshua Zirkzee.
“It’s a loan with a potential obligation to buy. Roma have an agreement with Zirkzee. Zirkzee is ready to go to Roma.
“It depends on Man United, on the management, on Ruben Amorim. They have to decide and say. If they give the green light, the deal can be closed any moment.
“Obviously with United not getting Antoine Semenyo, it means that the timing could be different.”
Zirkzee could leave for Roma after Mbeumo & Amad return
The Red Devils made an attempt to land Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, but the Ghanaian has his sights on joining Manchester City when the transfer window reopens.
This could slow down Zirkzee’s move to the Giallorossi, given United are short in the frontline at the moment with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away on international duty.
Patrick Dorgu was used as a right winger against Newcastle with great success. The Dane could get an extended run in the position in the absence of the attacking pair.
Zirkzee, signed for £36.5 million, is currently the second-choice striker behind Benjamin Sesko.
His head has probably been turned by the interest from Roma. The former Bologna man won just one out of seven duels attempted against the Magpies in his 30-minute appearance.
The Dutchman was far from his best and could have one eye on a return to Serie A. Roma are prepared to play him as the main striker in a 3-4-2-1 formation under manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
Roma are eyeing an initial loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy if they qualify for the Champions League. The club are presently two points behind fourth-placed Juventus but with a game in hand.
Zirkzee could play an instrumental role in them qualifying for the elite European competition if he were to join. United may ideally wait until late January to decide on the striker’s situation, in our view.
Amorim may also want another attacking signing on board before Zirkzee departs.
Stats from Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .