Manchester United have rejected an approach for Joshua Zirkzee while sanctioning another player’s departure from Old Trafford, according to reports in Italy.
United spent £36.5m to sign Zirkzee from Bologna last summer but the Netherlands international endured an underwhelming first season in the Premier League.
Zirzkee contributed just three goals in the Premier League and found himself out of the team after being subbed off in the 33rd minute of United’s defeat to Newcastle at the end of December.
A large section of Manchester United supporters booed Zirkzee as he made his way off the pitch and the incident felt like the beginning of the end of the 24-year-old’s spell at the club.
But Zirkzee did offer some promising signs towards the end of the campaign and has seemingly done enough to earn at least one more season at Old Trafford.
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The forward was heavily linked with a move away from United earlier in the year but Old Trafford bosses have rejected an approach from Inter Milan to sign the Dutchman.
Corriere dello Sport say Inter initially approached Manchester United in the hope of bringing both Zirzkee and Rasmus Hojlund to Serie A.
But United rejected the chance to offload Zirzkee while setting out their terms for Hojlund’s departure from the Theatre of Dreams.
Like Zirzkee, Hojlund also endured a miserable season in front of goal, scoring four Premier League goals.
The Denmark international recently dismissed speculation he could leave Manchester United this summer but Gazzetta dello Sport say he is privately keen to join Inter Milan.
Rasmus Hojlund breaks silence on Man Utd transfer rumours
‘I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I’m looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I’m fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.
‘As I’ve told you before, I try to stay away from all that, because it’s both for better and for worse these days.
‘I know I can’t get much out of reading things. I know what the facts are, and that is that I have a contract with Manchester United until 2030.
‘I expect to play there, so I’m just getting ready for some summer vacation and then hopefully a good pre-season.’
Speaking to Danish news outlet Ekstra Bladet
Hojlund’s representatives have held positive talks with the Champions League finalists and United have indicated he is free to leave on a permanent transfer.
Manchester United are not interested in loaning Hojlund out next season unless there is an obligation to make the move permanent in 12 months’ time for around €45 (£38m).
Ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes United should ‘get rid’ of both Hojlund and Zirkzee, claiming neither are at the level needed to play for the Red Devils.
‘United want to get to the top of the Premier League and into the Champions League,’ he said. ‘Is Zirkzee a player who gets you there? Not for me, he isn’t.
‘I don’t think Hojlund has that striker quality required for the Premier League either. He’s a hard worker but not the source of goals they desperately need.’
Hojlund and Zirkzee’s struggles have led Manchester United to target a new No. 9 this summer.
‘Zirkzee can become superstar at Man Utd’
Ruben Amorim was keen to welcome Liam Delap to Manchester before Chelsea won the transfer race and is interested in his former Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.
But perhaps there is a more to come from Zirzkee, who can develop into a ‘superstar’ for the Premier League giants, according to Old Trafford hero Lee Sharpe.
‘I like Zirkzee – he was unfortunate to get injured when he did, but he’s a real baller and I think he can be a superstar for Manchester United if he can get games under his belt,’ Sharpe told Metro via Coin Poker.
‘He needs a regular run. I don’t think he’s had a 10-game stint where he has actually played week in, week out.
‘There were reports that he wasn’t quite fit when he signed, so it took him a bit of time to get up to speed.
‘I think he was just finding his feet when he got injured but I think he’s going to prove a real key player next season.’
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