Manchester United have reportedly turned down a loan offer from AS Roma for Joshua Zirkzee, with the future of the forward still uncertain.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Manchester United have turned down a bid from AS Roma for Joshua Zirkzee. The attacker’s future at Old Trafford remains in considerable doubt, as the Italian giants wanted to take him on loan with a buy option.
Joshua Zirkzee is steadily making progress following a few starts for Manchester United since Benjamin Sesko’s injury. The Slovenian internatioanl is yet to return, meaning, with games coming thick and fast, the Dutchman could keep getting his chances.
With a goal during the recent run, there are reports stating Zirkzee could potentially stay at Manchester United beyond the January transfer window. However, an exit may be something on the player’s mind, given he will want to be on the plane with the Netherlands squad for the World Cup next year, as without minutes, his involvement could be in doubt.
There are a few clubs considering signing Joshua Zirkzee, with AS Roma one of the early suitors, as Gian Piero Gasperini’s side plotted a loan deal. Manchester United might be open to the idea of selling the 24-year-old resurgent star on the condition that they can get a good price and time to reinvest in a replacement.
There are further complications in any sale or exit, given that Manchester United will not have Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo due to their participation in the AFCON. A while ago, there were doubts about AS Roma’s ability to sign Zirkzee because of the biennial event, but things may have moved in a different direction since.
Did Manchester United reject Joshua Zirkzee bid?
AS Roma had plans to make a bid, and it appears they have offered a loan deal with a purchase option to test Manchester United’s resolve. The Serie A giants put forward the offer, and the buy option was reportedly contingent on their ability to qualify for the Champions League next season, which might have been a gamble, given they have not done so in the last few years.
Manchester United have rejected the proposal, as their stance remains unclear on the forward. Either they are angling for a permanent move with a good enough price point or are leaning towards keeping hold of the 24-year-old resurgent star for the time being, and could revisit his future in the summer.