European title-chasers prepare shock bid for €40m United star, talks will begin this week – report

Joshua Zirkzee is set to be the subject of an intense transfer race as the January window draws closer to shutting next week – with Fenerbahce the latest side to express interest in the Manchester United forward, according to a new report from Türkiye. A Man in Demand United were reluctant to let Zirkzee leave this month while Amad and Bryan Mbeumo were away for the Africa Cup of Nations. However, it was understood the pair’s return could lead the club to shift their position, if a suitable replacement could be sourced. Despite his struggles for the Red Devils, with just nine goals in 65 appearances since arriving in 2024, Zirkzee is a man in demand. Joshua Zirkzee – Career Stats ClubsAppearances GoalsAssists Manchester United6594 Bologna581409 Anderlecht471813 Bayern Munich1741 Parma400 The 24-year-old’s reputation in Italy remains untarnished by his nightmare at the Theatre of Dreams, where his impressive performances for Bologna earned him Serie A’s Young Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 campaign. AS Roma and Juventus have made advances towards signing the Netherlands international, though both Italian giants were seeking loan moves, with Manchester United preferring a permanent deal to fund a replacement. Ruben Amorim’s sacking torpedoed these plans, however, with Manchester United ruling out the departures of any players until a caretaker was appointed – with Michael Carrick taking the reins two weeks ago. Zirkzee is yet to play under the 44-year-old coach as he is currently ruled out with injury. He remains the only other senior centre-forward in the squad outside of Benjamin Sesko, though Carrick has found joy in the last two matches by deploying Mbeumo as a false nine. The back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, spearheaded by the red-hot Cameroonian, have reignited Zirkzee’s hope Manchester United would sanction his exit, with growing interest in the Premier League as well. Everton and West Ham have previously been linked with a move for the wantaway Dutchman, while Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur threw their hat into the ring last week. Fenerbahce enter the race Now, according to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Fenerbahce are ready to make an approach for Zirkzee, with negotiations set to commence this week. 🟡🔵 Sarı-lacivertli kulüp, Manchester United’ın 24 yaşındaki futbolcusu Joshua Zirkzee’yi listesine aldı. 💥 Fenerbahçe’nin Hollandalı hücum oyuncusunu kiralamak istediği, kısa süre içinde Manchester United ile temasların başlayacağı öğrenildi. pic.twitter.com/1fFw12qFmN — Fotomaç (@fotomac) January 29, 2026 Translated Tweet: “The yellow-Navy club has added Manchester United’s 24-year-old forward Joshua Zirkzee to its list. It is understood Fenerbahçe want to loan the Dutch attacking player, and that contact with United will begin shortly.” Fenerbahce are currently second in the Süper Lig, three points behind table toppers Galatasaray, who are pursuing their own deal for Manuel Ugarte. The fact that the Yellow Canaries only want to sign Zirkzee on loan presents a problem, however, as United would only consider such a deal if it included an obligation to buy at the end of the season.  INEOS would also want to sign a forward in the Dutchman’s place were he to leave. Talks are underway to sign Stade Rennais starlet Mohamed Kader Meite, with the 18-year-old considered one of the best young strikers in Europe. Fenerbahce would have to agree a deal for Zirkzee sharpish to afford United the time to strike their own agreement for Meite, as one could not happen without the other. Featured image Carl Recine 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.