From Italy: Roma ready to sign Zirzkee on one condition as Man Utd name their price

Roma remain adamant about recruiting Joshua Zirkzee in January, but the deal largely hinges on the conditions set by Manchester United.The Netherlands international has been relegated to the bench this season following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and, most importantly, Benjamin Sesko. He only earned a three-match run in the starting lineup following the Slovenian striker’s injury, before being dropped against more against Wolves.Therefore, the 24-year-old’s future at Carrington is no longer certain, especially amidst growing interest from Serie A.Man United seeking £31m to part ways with Joshua ZirkzeeIn recent weeks, Roma emerged as the clear frontrunners in the race for the former Bologna star. The Italian capital side are keen to bolster their attacking ranks, as Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk haven’t been able to find the back of the net on a consistent basis.(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Earlier this week, reports claimed that Roma and Man Utd are in active talks over a potential Zirkzee transfer in the middle of the season.And while Fabrizio Romano insisted that MUFC want to keep Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo at the beginning of January, there could be room to manoeuvre later in the month when Adam Diallo and Mbeumo return from the African Cup of Nations.According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Man Utd have set their asking price at €35 million (circa £31m), which should be enough to prevent a capital loss on the striker who cost them £37.5 million in the summer of 2024.Roma set key condition to sign ZirkzeeFor their part, Roma are willing to meet the asking price and sign the Dutchman on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season, but only if this clause is linked to a Champions League qualification.In other words, the Serie A side doesn’t wish to commit to a deal unless they guarantee UCL prize money. Zirkzee’s career stats Apperances Goals Assists Man Utd 58 8 3 Parma 58 14 9 Anderlecht 47 18 13 Bayern Munich 17 4 1 Parma 4 0 0 Despite his humble scoring stats, Zirkzee has endeared himself to the crowds at Old Trafford thanks to his generous work rate and on-the-ball skills.Moreover, Amorim would lose an attacker who offers alternative attributes to the likes of Cunha and Sesko, so it remains to be seen if the manager would sanction this exit.