Fiorentina sporting director Fabio Paratici has now turned his attention to Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee as he eyes replacements for Moise Kean.
Calciomercato, citing information from journalist Matteo Moretto, reports that the forgotten Manchester United man is on Paratici’s shortlist.
The outlet explains that while the situation around Kean unfolds – he is a target for Como – Fabio Paratici is working to bring in a replacement.
Various names have surfaced in recent days – including Everton striker Beto – and now Zirkzee can be added to that list.
The Dutchman has long been tipped for a return to Italy, having fallen out of favour under Michael Carrick at Manchester United.
Paratici inquiry
Moretto reports that Paratici has inquired with Manchester United about the feasibility of a deal for Zirkzee this summer.
The striker wants to leave England and wishes to return to Italy, where he previously impressed with Bologna.
For now, Fiorentina have only made enquiries. Juventus are also in the picture but their failure to offload Jonathan David means they are blocked from any business.
CM say a deal for Zirkzee could take the form of a loan with an option to buy. That option could even be an obligation to buy under certain conditions. That is something for Paratici, and Manchester United, to work out should talks progress.
€20m valuation
United are unlikely to put up many, or any, roadblocks to a potential deal for the 25-year-old. He is very much not a part of their long-term plans.
But they will also be reluctant to lose too much on a player who cost them €42.5m just two years ago.
Joshua Zirkzee’s value has dropped considerably since then – Transfermarkt have him around the €20m mark presently – but those in charge at Old Trafford will be reluctant to sanction any low-cost operations despite that.
That’s something for Paratici to work out, if he takes his initial inquiry further and into something more concrete.
