Just in: Romano confirms Man Utd working on January signing as ‘negotiations continue’

Fabrizio Romano reveals Manchester United are searching the market for a new attacker capable of replacing Joshua Zirkzee.The Dutchman has been unhappy with his lack of playing time this season, as he found himself behind Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha in Ruben Amorim’s pecking order.Aside from a three-game run between November and December, the 24-year-old has been a benchwarmer this season. Even with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away in Africa, the former Bologna man hasn’t been able to earn a starting role.Man Utd & Roma negotiating a deal for Joshua ZirkzeeIn recent weeks, Roma emerged as the absolute favourites to sign Zirkzee in January. The Giallorossi are desperate to add a new attacker to their ranks, and their manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has been fond of the Netherlands since his tenure at Atalanta.The latest reports from Italy have claimed that the Italian capital side could wrap up a deal for Zirkzee by mid-January. At that point, Diallo and Mbeumo could be on the cusp of returning to England following their AFCON participation.Moreover, Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that the negotiations between Man Utd and Roma are ongoing. He revealed as much in the latest video uploaded on his YouTube channel.Man United willing to let Zirkzee leave once they find a replacementThe Italian journalist reports that the two clubs are negotiating a loan move with an option to buy. However, the Red Devils won’t sanction Zirkzee’s departure unless they secure a direct replacement.Therefore, Jason Wilcox and Co. are already searching the market for a new attacker, as Romano tells it.The transfer market insider doesn’t name any potential candidates, but simply mentions that United are on the lookout for a new attacker after missing out on Man City-bound Antoine Semenyo. Zirkzee’s career stats Appearances Goals Assists Man Utd 61 8 3 Parma 58 14 9 Anderlecht 47 18 13 Bayern Munich 17 4 1 Parma 4 0 0 Hence, MUFC don’t necessarily have to get a new No.9. After all, Zirkzee is considered a versatile forward, and not a traditional centre-forward. Moreover, Amorim would still be able to count on Sesko and Cunha to lead the attack.Nevertheless, it appears that the manager is adamant about preserving his attacking depth, so a new profile must fill in for the Dutchman, if he isn’t a like-for-like replacement.