Man Utd willing to sanction first transfer exit of January window - on one condition

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United are willing to sanction the exit of Joshua Zirkzee to Roma in the January transfer window – but only on one condition.

Zirkzee has fallen some way short of expectations in English football having joined United from Bologna for a fee of £36.5m just 18 months ago.

The Netherlands international has scored just four Premier League goals since his arrival at Old Trafford .

Injuries to Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha afforded Zirkzee his first three starts of the league campaign, but the 24-year-old has returned to the bench for the last three games, playing a total of 25 minutes.

Zirkzee’s desire to leave the Red Devils has been well-documented in recent weeks , with Roma appearing to be the club leading the charge for the striker’s signature.

According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International , both United and Zirkzee are open to exploring a deal with Roma, which would likely be an initial loan with a mandatory buy option.

The report adds that Zirkzee has already held talks with Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperino and is ‘enthusiastic’ about a potential return to Serie A.

Joshua Zirkzee has started just three league games this season (Picture: Getty)

However, it is said that United are not keen to rush negotiations and will not finalise any departure for Zirkzee until after the conclusion of the AFCON .

With Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo competing for Ivory Coast and Cameroon at the tournament, Ruben Amorim’s side look somewhat depleted in attacking areas.

And the recent injury to Bruno Fernandes, which could rule the United skipper out for as many as six matches , will not help that workload on United’s forward players.

Zirkzee joined from Bologna in 2023 (Picture: Getty)

United will also demand a €35million mandatory fee to be paid at the end of the season to make any move permanent.

Speaking last month about Zirkzee’s lack of regular minutes and future at United, Amorim said: ‘I was a football player,’ he said. ‘I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation.

‘I understand the frustration of some players, seeing the World Cup is there. I know what it means.

‘But the first thing is that the club comes first. If I can help the club and the players, I will be happy. If not I have to think about the team.’

Elsewhere, United are not expected to sanction the exit of Kobbie Mainoo after Fernandes’ injury , but still maintain an interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

Semenyo has scored eight goals so far this season, and has also attracted interest from Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.

The Ghana international has a a £65m release clause valid for the first 10 days of the January window and is expected to make a quick decision about his future.