Manchester United are reportedly prepared to offload striker Joshua Zirkzee in January with a replacement already lined up.
The 23-year-old made the high-profile switch from Champions League-competing Bologna to the Theatre of Dreams during the summer for £36.5m.
It has recently been reported that former head coach Erik ten Hag did not want Zirkzee to sign for the Red Devils, with the Dutch attacker turning up to duty during pre-season overweight.
The ex-Bayern Munich youngster enjoyed a fruitful start to his Man United career, scoring the winning goal on the opening day of the Premier League season versus Fulham.
Zirkzee, a Netherlands international, has struggled since that standout moment against the Cottagers, though, failing to find the net in each of his last 13 competitive appearances.
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Man United's Zirkzee heading towards Italy return in New Year?
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Manchester United are already considering the possibility of parting ways with Zirkzee during the January transfer window.
The report claims that incoming head coach Ruben Amorim has been left 'unconvinced' by the 23-year-old, who has failed to cement his status as first-choice striker at Old Trafford.
It is understood that any move away from Man United in the New Year would be a temporary one, with the club's part-owners INEOS hoping that the attacker will come good eventually.
With speculation swirling around Zirkzee, it is believed that Serie A giants Juventus and AC Milan are considering January swoops for the player.
The five-cap international enjoyed a productive campaign for Thiago Motta's Bologna in the Italian top flight during 2023-24, scoring 11 goals across 34 matches.
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Man United have Zirkzee replacement 'lined up'
Should Zirkzee exit Man United's squad in January, it is expected that the 20-time English champions will be in the market for a replacement.
With major links to Sporting Lisbon, incoming head coach Amorim could aim to secure the services of Swedish marksman Viktor Gyokeres in the near future.
The ex-Coventry City striker bagged 43 goals during his debut campaign in Portugal last season and has netted on 20 occasions across 16 competitive appearances so far during 2024-25.
Carter White
