Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal with Fiorentina for Joshua Zirkzee with La Viola now leading the race for the forward.
Zirkzee was an unsused substitute in United’s opening game of the season against Hull City last weekend, left on the bench despite Benjamin Sesko not being deemed fit enough with Amad Diallo also missing out through injury.
He is among the players United are prepared to let go this summer for the right offer after two underwhelming seasons at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman has scored just five goals in the Premier League since his £36.5million arrival from Bologna in the summer of 2024, nine in total across 75 appearances.
Juventus have been eager to sign the forward but with the final days of the summer transfer window approaching, Fiorentina have moved ahead with the club in advanced talks with United.
Gazzetta dello Sport report Fiorentina have made an official offer to sign the player on loan for the rest of the season, a deal which includes a €5million (£4.2m) loan fee.
The clubs remain in talks over whether the deal will include an option to buy at the end of the season or an obligation to buy with a fee for those clauses still being negotiated.
United completed their midfield rebuild with the signing of Carlos Baleba last week with a new left-back also being considered.
But Zirkzee’s departure could prompt the club into bringing in another centre forward, with exit possibly paving the way for another addition up top.
United have been linked with Ollie Watkins but the England international is now poised to complete a lucrative move to Saudi side Al-Hilal. Crystal Palace star Jean Philippe-Mateta could also be an option.
While there have been flashes of brilliance, Zirkzee’s time at United has ultimately been undermined by his poor goal return.
Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has long held reservations over Zirkzee’s chances of succeeding at United, explaining in January his move to Old Trafford was a mistake when there was the option of staying in Italy.
‘For me, there was always a doubt that it was the right decision to go to Manchester United. I think he should have stayed in Serie A. He was doing well with Bologna and I think he should have gone to a better team in Italy,’ Gullit told Metro at the start of the year.