PL rival launches explosive hijack for United “baller” who Amorim was desperate to upgrade – report

Tottenham Hotspur have launched a shock move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee – but Michael Carrick could thwart his former side’s plan, according to a new report. Pushing for an exit Zirkzee is “desperate to quit” Old Trafford this month, according to TEAMtalk, as the Dutchman tries to force his way back into the Netherlands squad for the World Cup. The 24-year-old has endured a miserable time since arriving from Bologna in the summer of 2024, scoring just nine times in 65 appearances for the Red Devils. Joshua Zirkzee – Career Stats ClubsAppearances GoalsAssists Manchester United6594 Bologna581409 Anderlecht471813 Bayern Munich1741 Parma400 His reputation remains intact in Italy, however, where he won Serie A’s Young Player of the Year award the season before joining United, and helped fire Bologna to Champions League qualification. A host of clubs have expressed interest in helping him escape his English nightmare, with AS Roma and Juventus the two sides pushing the hardest to sign him this month. Despite his inconsistent performances, United were reluctant to let the versatile forward leave while Amad and Bryan Mbeumo were away for the Africa Cup of Nations, as it would have left Benjamin Sesko as the only senior striker in the squad. The fact that these two wingers have now come back from international duty, and made an immediate impression upon their return, has reignited Zirkzee’s hopes of sealing an exit before the transfer window slams shut next week. However, it is not just an Italian heavyweight now looking to strike a deal; rather, Tottenham have emerged as a shock contender to sign Zirkzee, alongside fellow London club Crystal Palace. Spurs make a shock approach TEAMtalk reveals Spurs and Palace have each made enquiries about Zirkzee’s “availability” this week, with both teams desperate to reinforce their struggling frontlines. “Both clubs are monitoring developments closely and are prepared to act quickly if the situation changes. Both clubs are in the market for a new striker in the last week of the window, with the Eagles likely to lose Jean-Philippe Mateta in the coming days and with Spurs looking to bolster their attacking options over the final days of the window.” It’s understood that INEOS will give Carrick final say on any outbound transfers, with Zirkzee yet to feature under the 44-year-old Englishman after being ruled out with a minor muscle injury. The report reveals the Dutch forward is “expected to be available again very soon – potentially in time for the weekend clash with Fulham”. However, his camp are increasingly optimistic that the team’s impressive form under Carrick will lead the caretaker coach to sanction his departure. Zirkzee is “aware that consistent minutes will be crucial if he is to force his way into Ronald Koeman’s World Cup plans” – which could give Palace an unlikely edge over their more established competitors, as the United star would slot straight into Mateta’s place at Selhurst Park, while he would face much more difficult competition at Spurs or in Italy. Feature image Molly Darlington 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.