Joshua Zirkzee is 'top priority' for Roma as reason for Man United blocking move emerges: Fabrizio Romano

Manchester United aren’t at the stage where they need to move bodies out before they can buy new players although it wouldn’t do any harm to sell the under achievers.

There are still a few players who Ruben Amorim probably wouldn’t be too sad to see leave with Manuel Ugarte attracting attention from Turkey and Joshua Zirkzee close to agreeing a move to Roma which would see him return to Serie A and where he made his name. The Netherlands must be watching Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay and fancy his chances.

Man United flop can leave Old Trafford

According to transfer supremo Fabrizio Romano, Zirkzee’s representatives have been given permission to speak with the Italian giants and that they are pushing for an early move: “I can reveal that a meeting took place last week between Roma and the agents of Joshua Zirkzee, with further progress made in conversations this week. Roma consider the player a top priority, and manager Gian Piero Gasperini is pushing to bring him in as early as January.

“Manchester United, however, are reluctant to give the green light at the start of the window. With several absences already – including Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo heading to AFCON, Bruno Fernandes injured, and Kobbie Mainoo unavailable – United are short of options. From the player’s side, Roma are making progress. Zirkzee is open to the move, attracted by the promise of regular football, a central role, and the chance to shine again in Serie A, where he previously impressed with Bologna.”

Another twist in Zirkzee’s Man United exit

If the chances of Zirkzee leaving Old Trafford in early January were slim, they must be non-existent now after Bruno Fernandes’ hamstring buckled under the burden of carrying United for so long. Without his main playmaker, Amorim will have to find another way, especially with no Mbeumo or Amad to tinker with. The African Cup of Nations is something that European managers have to deal with in the hope that injuries and suspensions don’t affect their squad even more. If United sold Zirkzee, they would be down to the bare bones in terms of attacking options.

The Red Devils boss has a few options available to him, none of which are particularly convincing and any more injuries in midfield or the forward third could have him reaching for page two of his football formations and game plans manual. Amorim will be hoping that new faces can be brought into the club to strengthen the midfield and forward line, the sort of signings that should have already been lined up before Fernandes’ injury and long before Roma’s interest in Zirkzee.