Any deal is likely to depend on United bringing in reinforcements in the January window
Roma are preparing to step up their interest in Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, with the Serie A club expected to work on a proposal later this week.
According to Sky in Italy, Roma’s preference is to take the Netherlands international on loan, with a conditional option to make the move permanent. Initial discussions have already taken place, but no formal bid has yet been submitted.
United are aware of Roma’s interest but are not actively pushing Zirkzee towards the exit. The 24-year-old only arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 in a £36.5m move from Bologna, but he has played only a bit-part role under Ruben Amorim so far.
Zirkzee has struggled to establish himself in a crowded attacking setup and scored just once this season, when he netted a late equaliser in November’s 2-1 win away at Crystal Palace. He has made 11 appearances across all competitions, but only three league starts.
Roma see the striker as a potential solution to their lack of depth in attack and believe a return to Serie A could help him rediscover the form he showed in Italy before his move to England. Zirkzee impressed during his time at Bologna, which prompted United to move quickly to secure his signature.
Since arriving in Manchester, Zirkzee has found minutes hard to come by and has yet to fully convince, with his overall record standing at eight goals in 60 senior appearances across competitions.
Any deal is likely to depend on United’s plans for the January window. The club might be unwilling to sanction a loan exit without any reinforcements.
