Manchester United cannot afford to stay idle with multiple areas in the squad still in need of urgent reinforcements.
The backline needs more quality, but there are no guarantees the Red Devils can pull something off before the window closes.
For now, INEOS seems focused on player sales, with multiple academy graduates expected to depart before deadline day.
One senior star whose days are numbered at Old Trafford is Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman had impressed during pre-season, and plenty were calling for the former Bologna ace to get minutes in Benjamin Sesko’s absence.
Joshua Zirkzee needs to leave
Despite the 20-time English league champions trailing by two goals against Hull City in the opener, Michael Carrick did not turn to the Netherlands international.
Both Marcus Rashford and Shea Lacey made it off the bench, and Zirkzee is under no illusions regarding his place in the hierarchy of things at the Theatre of Dreams.
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, the 25-year-old remains keen on a return to Italy despite offers from the Premier League being on the table.
Juventus and Napoli are among the teams vying for the United No.11’s signature, but a new candidate has made their presence known.
Fiorentina the latest team to join the fray
Fiorentina, led by sporting director Fabio Paratici, have been in discussions with the forward’s agent and have enquired about the potential conditions of a deal.
They are looking to replace Moise Kean. United would prefer a permanent sale, but a loan with an obligation cannot be ruled out.
“In the last few hours, we’ve talked about how Joshua Zirkzee is, 99% likely, set to leave Manchester United between now and the end of the transfer window.
“They’re looking for the right destination, the right formula, and the right project. Zirkzee has understood that he is out of the project. He has understood that Manchester United is, in fact, open to his departure, and they’ve also made that clear to him indirectly.
United will need a backup striker if Joshua Zirkzee leaves
“Obviously, the connection between Zirkzee and Italy is a very, very strong one. Zirkzee did extremely well here in Italy with Bologna, so he knows the league and would look favourably on a return to Italy, even though there are also offers from England.
“The behind-the-scenes information I want to tell you is that, in addition to Juventus, who clearly should be letting Jonathan David leave, there has also been a call in the last few hours, or rather the last few days, between Kia, Zirkzee’s agent, and Paratici.
“Paratici, essentially, made inquiries about the cost of the operation. As of today, nothing more than that. The situation is currently at this stage, but it is an indication that Fiorentina are actively looking for a replacement for Moise Kean.”
It will be interesting to see how much United can earn from the sale of Joshua Zirkzee and whether that money is utilised to sign a backup striker before the end of the window.
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Joshua Zirkzee is likely to leave for the Serie A
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TPP ViewJoshua Zirkzee will likely return to Italy, but Fiorentina will find it hard to beat Juventus and Napoli in the race.
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