Roma Step Up January Push for Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee as Loan-to-Buy Talks Advance
Reports indicate Manchester United would accept a loan with a purchase option, reflecting the striker’s drive for regular minutes before the World Cup.
Overview
- Multiple outlets report United are willing to sanction a January loan with an option to buy, with negotiations under way with Roma.
- Sources differ on the option fee, with Football Italia and Goal.com citing about €35m and Yahoo Sports reporting €30m.
- Roma are described as ready to cover part of Zirkzee’s wages during the loan, with figures ranging from half his €3.5m salary to the €1.8m balance this season.
- Gian Piero Gasperini has approved the pursuit, viewing Zirkzee as a stylistic fit, while Roma also weigh alternatives such as Tottenham’s Mathys Tel and Midtjylland’s Franculino Djù.
- Goal.com notes internal debate at United over squad depth given injuries and AFCON absences, and reports Roma could free space by ending Evan Ferguson’s loan, with Everton positioned to take him.