£31m United star now "wants" move to Italian giants, club director has met Red Devils
Roma are stepping up their pursuit of Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport.
Zirkzee has struggled for consistent playing time since his switch to the Red Devils from Bologna last year. He is presently a regular on the bench.
The Dutchman has made just three league starts this season. He is considered the third-choice striker behind Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Corriere dello Sport now claim that Roma sporting director Frederic Massara met with Zirkzee’s agents and United representatives during his time in London on Friday and Saturday.
Roma can’t afford to meet United’s £31 million valuation for Zirkzee in January, but they are prepared to pay a high loan fee of £4.4m to £5.3m or maybe higher with a buy obligation next summer.
The Serie A giants are in the final year of UEFA monitoring after their settlement for breaching Financial Fair Play rules. They prefer to pursue a permanent transfer for Zirkzee in July.
Roma are presently aiming to finalise personal terms with Zirkzee and postpone agent commissions until next summer. They will then make a formal loan approach for the Netherlands star.
Zirkzee ‘wants’ Roma and believes he can revive his career under manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
Gasperini is likewise eyeing a new striker to spearhead the club’s Champions League bid. Artem Dovbyk is Roma’s highest-scoring striker in Serie A this term with just two goals.
Man Utd could accept a loan plus buy obligation for Zirkzee
Zirkzee has been tipped to return to the Italian top-flight for some time. A move could come to fruition in January, given his playing time may not improve under manager Ruben Amorim.
Cunha and Sesko are ahead of him in the selection order when fit and available for selection. Amorim also has the choice to play Bryan Mbeumo upfront once he returns from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mbeumo has primarily played as an attacking midfielder at United, but he can also lead the line.
United have no desire to accept a straight loan for Zirkzee, but a temporary move with a mandatory buy clause for £31m could persuade them to do business with the Giallorossi this winter.
Zirkzee has struggled to cope with the higher intensity and physicality of English football. A return to Serie A could suit him, having made 19 goal contributions in his last year at Bologna.
The Bayern graduate looks better suited to Italian football, which is more tactical and less intense. A buy obligation for Zirkzee ensures United will receive a financial boost for the summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .