Everton now join West Ham in race to sign £25m Man Utd star - Sky Sports

Everton have joined West Ham United in the race to sign Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee during the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.

The Netherlands international has been a regular on the bench for the Red Devils this campaign, and he is contemplating a mid-season exit to boost his World Cup selection prospects.

A recent report confirmed that West Ham are weighing up an approach for the former Bologna man. They could have an advantage with the striker’s agent preferring a stay in the Premier League.

Dorsett has now revealed that the Toffees are pursuing a different profile to strikers Beto and Thierno Barry. Zirkzee is one of the names at the top of their wishlist, should he become available.

Man Utd may only entertain permanent bids for Zirkzee

The Dutchman joined the Red Devils from Bologna last year for £36.5 million. He made the perfect start for the club, scoring the winner off the bench on his league debut against Fulham.

However, Zirkzee has managed only two goals and two assists from his next 35 league outings. The 24-year-old played second fiddle to Rasmus Hojlund upfront for most of his debut campaign.

His situation has obviously got worse. Summer signings Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha have been preferred to lead the line by manager Ruben Amorim during the early months of this season.

Zirkzee made a few appearances as a number 10 last term, but that avenue has been closed off too, with fierce competition from the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo and Cunha.

Hence, it is quite clear that he won’t be featuring regularly unless a few players are unavailable. He could make a start or two when Mbeumo and Amad are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

The duo will be back with United by mid-January, and we won’t be surprised if Zirkzee is sold.

The striker has a Transfermarkt value of £25 million. Having purchased him for £36.5m last summer, the Red Devils could seek a figure in the middle, potentially £30m to sanction his transfer.

Everton and West Ham are more than capable of meeting United’s demands. The pair are yearning for a striking upgrade, and Zirkzee would be a good acquisition at the turn of the year.

Zirkzee has been limited to just 41 minutes per league outing at United. With a guaranteed starting role upfront, he could revive his form from his Bologna days. He managed 19 goal contributions during his final season at the Serie A outfit.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .