€38-€40m will seal deal as United star says “yes” to head coach in personal talks – report

Manchester United’s squad is currently somewhat stretched. Experimental line up The Africa Cup of Nations and injuries to key players, particularly in defence, have meant that United are struggling to put out a recognisable team at present. The Boxing Day win over Newcastle United demonstrated enormous grit and determination from a side that nobody would have predicted would ever play together, including defenders such as Tyrell Malacia and Tyler Fredricson. Benjamin Sesko has recently returned to full fitness and led the line last time out against Newcastle United. United are still somewhat short of attacking options at present, particularly with Bryan Mbeumo involved in the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon. In spite of this, there have still been significant rumours that United could be willing to sanction a departure for Joshua Zirkzee in the winter window. Zirkzee wants move Giallorossi.net report that, “Joshua Zirkzee ‘s situation at Manchester United continues to push the Dutch striker toward a new destination” as he “longs for a consistent, central role.” Gazzetta dello Sport (via Giallorossi.net) claim that, “in recent days the striker has had direct contact with both the Giallorossi management, specifically sporting director Ricky Massara.” Interestingly, the paper also reports that the coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, “explained to the player his idea of ​​using him in a 3-4-2-1 formation, explaining how Zirkzee can act both as an attacking focal point and as one of the two attacking midfielders.” United are in no rush for a deal to go through until the Africa Cup of Nations has concluded and their attacking options of Mbeumo and Amad have safely returned. What’s more, “if the deal goes through, it’s expected to be worth between €38 and €40 million, with an initial loan and an obligation to buy.” This would be significant as it would be Roma’s most expensive signing in their history, surpassing the €36.5 million they spent on Gabriel Batistuta in 2000. Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.