Manchester United are negotiating with Juventus over a potential loan move for Joshua Zirkzee as the Dutch striker looks to secure a transfer before Tuesday’s deadline.
Talks between the two clubs are reportedly progressing, with Juventus proposing a temporary deal that would include an option to buy the 25-year-old at the end of the season.
United are seeking to increase the proposed purchase clause after Juventus offered an initial £2.1 million loan fee and a £25.6m option to buy.
Zirkzee pushing for Juventus move
Zirkzee has reportedly rejected a proposed loan move to Fiorentina, who have instead moved to sign Everton striker Beto.
The Dutchman is believed to favour a switch to Juventus and is waiting for an agreement to be reached between the Italian club and United.
Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna for £36.5m in 2024 but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
He has been an unused substitute in United’s opening two Premier League matches this season, with Matheus Cunha preferred in attack and Benjamin Sesko also competing for minutes.
United manager Michael Carrick refused to rule out a departure when asked about Zirkzee’s situation after Sunday’s victory over Ipswich.
“It’s always difficult to say, to be honest, when there’s so little time left, but we’re always open if there’s something else to be able to add,” Carrick said.
“I wouldn’t shut that down but, as it stands, we’ll have to wait and see.”
United seek suitable transfer terms
United are keen to recover a significant portion of the investment they made in Zirkzee and want Juventus to raise the potential permanent transfer fee closer to £30m.
A move would allow the striker to seek regular football elsewhere while United reduce their attacking options following the arrival of Sesko and the return of Marcus Rashford.
Zirkzee could remain at Old Trafford and potentially receive more opportunities once Champions League football begins, but competition for places could restrict his involvement.
Juventus have also resolved the loan signing of Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade as they assess their attacking options before the deadline.
