Man Utd willing to sanction first January transfer exit – on one condition | Football

Manchester United are willing to sanction the exit of Joshua Zirkzee to Roma in the January transfer window – but only on one condition.

Zirkzee has fallen some way short of expectations in English football having joined United from Bologna for a fee of £36.5m just 18 months ago.

The Netherlands international has scored just four Premier League goals since his arrival at Old Trafford.

Injuries to Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha afforded Zirkzee his first three starts of the league campaign, but the 24-year-old has returned to the bench for the last three games, playing a total of 25 minutes.

Zirkzee’s desire to leave the Red Devils has been well-documented in recent weeks, with Roma appearing to be the club leading the charge for the striker’s signature.

According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, both United and Zirkzee are open to exploring a deal with Roma, which would likely be an initial loan with a mandatory buy option.

The report adds that Zirkzee has already held talks with Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperino and is ‘enthusiastic’ about a potential return to Serie A.

However, it is said that United are not keen to rush negotiations and will not finalise any departure for Zirkzee until after the conclusion of the AFCON.

With Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo competing for Ivory Coast and Cameroon at the tournament, Ruben Amorim’s side look somewhat depleted in attacking areas.

And the recent injury to Bruno Fernandes, which could rule the United skipper out for as many as six matches, will not help that workload on United’s forward players.

Analysis: Man Utd must convince Zirkzee to stay this season

There is no hiding the fact Joshua Zirkzee’s long-term future probably lies away from Old Trafford.

The forward has had flashes of brilliance in United red, serving as an impressive link between the attacking lines with his wonderful finish against Crystal Palace showing what he is capable of in front of goal.

But the Dutchman is unlikely ever to contribute the numbers needed to become a fixture in the team up front. In deeper roles, United have plenty of options that mean a bench role is likely the best he can hope for.

But there is little benefit in being hasty heading into January. With Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away at AFCON, there will be opportunities.

Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have already picked up knocks this term – Zirkzee is the only other option to lead the line with Chido Obi seemingly not in Ruben Amorim’s plans at the moment.

It would be a wholly selfish decision on United’s part – Zirkzee is in real danger of missing out on the Netherlands squad for next summer’s World Cup unless he starts playing every week. But for their own prospects this season, he will be of use.

Unless United are planning to bring in another forward option in January, any exit should be put on hold until the summer.

Tony Mogan, live sports editor

United will also demand a €35million mandatory fee to be paid at the end of the season to make any move permanent.

Speaking last month about Zirkzee’s lack of regular minutes and future at United, Amorim said: ‘I was a football player,’ he said. ‘I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation.

‘I understand the frustration of some players, seeing the World Cup is there. I know what it means.

‘But the first thing is that the club comes first. If I can help the club and the players, I will be happy. If not I have to think about the team.’

Elsewhere, United are not expected to sanction the exit of Kobbie Mainoo after Fernandes’ injury, but still maintain an interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

Semenyo has scored eight goals so far this season, and has also attracted interest from Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.

The Ghana international has a a £65m release clause valid for the first 10 days of the January window and is expected to make a quick decision about his future.

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