Whitwell: Dialogue open — Man Utd still negotiating deal for £37m attacker which could materialise in coming weeks | OneFootball

Manchester United and Juventus remain in talks over a potential deal for Joshua Zirkzee this summer.

As per Laurie Whitwell speaking in this morning’s Transfer Deal Sheet (via The Athletic), dialogue is open between all parties, with the Red Devils looking to agree a loan plus a buy obligation – as opposed to a buy option.

Joshua Zirkzee: The state of play

Whitwell adds that other clubs are also interested in taking Zirkzee off of United’s hands before next month’s deadline.

United shelled out £36.5 million to add the Dutchman to their ranks back in July 2024, and are said to still value him in the same region.

Zirkzee is only 25, and while he hasn’t been able to nail down a starting role at Old Trafford just yet, it’s clear there’s a player in there that could succeed in a new environment.

Unfortunately for him, he is battling with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and, now, Marcus Rashford for a spot in the XI.

The Reds having no European football to account for last season, along with their premature cup exits, meant game time was incredibly limited for Zirkzee.

By the end of the 2025/2026 campaign, he had made just five starts in total.

Zirkzee’s record across all competitions last season (Transfermarkt)

Zirkzee’s situation is uncertain ahead of September deadline

United aren’t actively pushing Zirkzee out the door, though.

In fact, reports have suggested that Michael Carrick is more than happy for him to stay, as the extra depth in attack will only benefit the manager as he navigates his first full term in charge.

However, if an offer comes in that INEOS deem acceptable and that the Bayern Munich graduate himself is tempted by, it would make more sense to facilitate the move.

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