Manchester United want around €35m to let player go in January

Manchester United‘s Joshua Zirkzee was close to an exit in the summer, and the same is true ahead of the winter window.

The Dutchman has never been short of links with a return to Italy, almost since he arrived at Old Trafford for an inflated fee. AC Milan had been close to a deal, but pulled away when the player’s agent asked for an unusually high commission.

In January, AS Roma were keen on a deal when Ricky Massara was their sporting director. The Red Devils’ demands were too high, and a slightly different process happened with Fiorentina interest.

Player keen on Italy return

Today, Calciomercato add background to the Dutchman’s situation. They make it clear that Fiorentina had no problems meeting Manchester United’s demands for the striker.

It was Zirkzee himself who held up the deal, rejecting the transfer. He was much keener on a move to Juve, where Massara now finds himself after his Roma spell.

The Bianconeri couldn’t afford Manchester United’s valuation in the summer, which made sure the Dutchman stayed at Old Trafford.

Zirkzee’s reasonably good impression during the international break is taken as a positive sign ahead of January.

At that point, the Red Devils would accept a figure of around €35m, even if it is likely to be an initial loan deal.

That is the amount Fiorentina had offered but they failed regardless. Things could be different now and the player would be more interested in a deal.

Our take: Zirkzee should push

The 25-year-old is at the prime of his career and can’t afford to waste more seasons. He has also returned to prominence for the Dutch national team, which should be seen as a positive.

To establish himself further, he needs to play more. Serie A is a league where he has done better than elsewhere.

The Manchester United experiment with Zirzkee had arguably run its course over a year ago. Jason Wilcox should be working ahead of the winter market to get the Dutchman out and a replacement in.