West Ham United pushing to sign Man United star in major January deal | OneFootball

West Ham linked with Manchester United forward amid January transfer speculation

West Ham are among several Premier League clubs monitoring Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the January transfer window, according to TeamTalk. The Dutch attacker, who has found opportunities limited under Ruben Amorim, is reportedly considering a move to secure regular football before next summer’s European Championships.

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Zirkzee’s situation at Old Trafford

At 24, Zirkzee is entering a crucial phase in his career. He “hasn’t started a league match this term and has remained rooted to the bench on five separate occasions,” with Benjamin Sesko preferred as United’s first-choice striker. His absence from Ronald Koeman’s most recent Netherlands squad has added urgency to his situation.

“Unless he features regularly at club level, he’ll spend next summer on the beach sipping margheritas instead of gracing sport’s biggest tournament,” the report notes. For a player with ambitions of representing his country on the biggest stage, a January move now appears increasingly likely.

West Ham emerge as potential destination

TeamTalk first reported West Ham’s interest on October 5, and those claims have since been echoed by The i Paper. With Everton also monitoring developments, the Hammers are seen as the most suitable option for both player and club.

West Ham “desperately need a shot in the arm in their quest to avoid relegation,” the report adds. Niclas Fullkrug’s injury and lack of goals have left a void in attack, and Zirkzee’s technical qualities could provide the fluidity that Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have been missing. His “link-up play could bring the best out of Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta.”

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For Zirkzee, a loan to West Ham could revive his form and international prospects. For Nuno, it may prove a timely gamble in search of goals and momentum.

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Zirkzee’s arrival could inject creativity and pace into a misfiring attack. He has shown flashes of promise at previous clubs, and his technical ability fits the profile of a player who can thrive alongside Bowen and Paqueta.

However, fans have seen similar loan signings fail to deliver before. Questions will inevitably arise about Zirkzee’s adaptability to the Premier League and his readiness to handle the physical intensity that West Ham demand. Supporters will also note that he “hasn’t started a league match this term,” a worrying sign for a side in need of immediate impact rather than potential.

The idea of taking on a forward short on minutes and confidence may not fill the London Stadium with optimism. Nuno has a reputation for preferring proven performers, and unless Zirkzee hits the ground running, the move could look like another short-term fix.

Ultimately, while the rumour carries intrigue, West Ham fans may want reassurances that this is more than a stopgap deal. The Hammers need goals, leadership and consistency, not another player in search of rhythm and redemption.