Transfer rumors, news: Could Zirkzee leave Man United already?

Joshua Zirkzee only joined Manchester United in the summer, but the Red Devils are considering moving on from the Dutch striker in January, while Barcelona are weighing up a move for Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours, and gossip from around the globe.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades

TOP STORIES

– Man City’s Dias goads doubters after 4-game slump
– Messi: Inter Miami will ‘come back stronger next year’
– Van Nistelrooy leaves Man United after Amorim arrival

TRENDING RUMORS

– Manchester United are looking to part ways with striker Joshua Zirkzee in January, reports Calciomercato. The 23-year-old Netherlands international has endured a difficult start at Old Trafford since joining from Bologna in the summer, having scored one goal in eleven Premier League appearances, and it is said that new Red Devils manager Rúben Amorim is keen to move him on amid hopes of bringing forward Viktor Gyökeres to Old Trafford in the future. Clubs in Serie A are reported to be possible destinations for Zirkzee, who was previously on the radar of Juventus.

– Barcelona are keen on Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, according to Teamtalk. Manager Hansi Flick is reported to be looking to reunite with the 24-year-old Canada international, although there is expected to be competition from several clubs in Europe. Teams from outside of the Bundesliga are able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with Davies in January when he enters the final six months of his deal at the Allianz Arena. He has remains a key player for manager Vincent Kompany this season despite his ongoing contract situation, having made 14 appearances across all competitions.

– Clubs in the Premier League are exploring a move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, says Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth. Pogba, who is contracted at the Serie A club until 2026, is said to be in advanced talks to terminate his deal, and multiple clubs are keeping tabs on the situation, with teams in England, Europe, MLS and Saudi Arabia joining the race for his signature. Pogba is able to return to playing in March.

– – Bayern Munich won’t consider offers for winger Leroy Sané, according to Sky Sport Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. It is reported that the 28-year-old Germany international is keen to extend his stay with the club, but he must be willing to take a reduction in the region of €2m to €4m on his current €20m-per-year deal. He has made just one league start so far this season, and is set to enter the final six months of his contract in January.

– Atalanta are willing to listen to offers for midfielder Éderson in January, reports Football Insider. The 25-year-old twice-capped Brazil international is reported to have been identified by Manchester City as a potential replacement for Rodri, who is out for the season. It is said that while a deal in January could be difficult, the Serie A club are open to moving him on if they receive a “big offer” for his signature.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN’s Rob Dawson assesses Joshua Zirkzee’s start to life at Manchester United, and considers whether the club would be willing to move on from the Dutch striker so quickly:

Zirkzee got off to a flying start at Manchester United, scoring a late winner against Fulham on his debut in August after coming on as a second-half substitute. The problem is, he hasn’t found the net since. He’s had good games — particularly in the 3-0 win over Southampton early in the season — but he hasn’t really looked like scoring and, at times, he’s looked short of match fitness.

All in all, it’s been a difficult three months following his summer move from Bologna. Part of the issue is his position, and there are big questions about whether he will fit into Rúben Amorim’s system.

Zirkzee is a striker who likes to drop off the front, get the ball into his feet and bring others into play, but Amorim usually plays with two No. 10s and likes his striker to lead the line with physicality and powerful running. Rasmus Højlund is that type of player, but Zirkzee is not.

United aren’t expecting to make major changes to their squad in January, and if Zirkzee left, he would have to be replaced. Rather than making a decision in January, it’s more likely the club will look at his long-term future next summer.

OTHER RUMORS

– Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is keen to reinforce his defence in January, with Liverpool‘s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah on his radar. (Sport)

– Scouts from the Premier League and Europe are watching 17-year-old Chelsea midfielder Kiano Dyer. (The Mail)

– Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are among the Premier League sides interested in signing Gent and England youth international left-back Archie Brown. (Teamtalk)

– TSG Hoffenheim winger Jacob Bruun Larsen wants to leave the Bundesliga club to go in search of more regular playing time. His contract is set to expire next summer. (Sky Sport Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg)