Local media confident Manchester United transfer could be wrapped up by mid-January

A detailed view of a corner flag prior to a Premier League match. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Manchester United misfit Joshua Zirkzee could end up joining Italian giants AS Roma by mid-January.On the back of Joshua Zirkzee’s impressive rise at Bologna, Manchester United forked out a significant fee to sign the Dutch international during the summer of 2024. While they had massive expectations from him, the Bayern Munich graduate hasn’t lived up to them.Joshua Zirkzee to leave United in JanuaryWith him struggling to get going at Old Trafford, the 24-year-old has constantly been linked with a move away from the club. According to Gazzetta dello Sport via SportWitness, Zirkzee seems set to join AS Roma in the upcoming transfer window. The report suggests he should be in Rome by mid-January.Zirkzee seems surplus to requirements under Amorim, and has racked up just over 400 minutes for first-team action so far. While he was handed a cameo in their win over Newcastle on Boxing Day, the Dutch striker once again failed to make an impact.While his contract runs until the summer of 2029, he doesn’t seem to have a future at Old Trafford. Manchester United are ready to cash in on the 24-year-old, as long as they receive the right offer. There is interest in his services from Italy, and a move back to the Serie A could be in the best interest of all parties involved.AS Roma are in talks to sign Zirkzee on loan with a buy obligationJoshua Zirkzee kissing Man Utd badge (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)AS Roma have emerged as a potential destination for Zirkzee. The Italian giants are looking for more quality in the final third, and on the back of his impressive performances at Bologna back in the day, they are willing to bet on him.He could end up joining them on loan with a conditional obligation to buy. Roma have put forward a loan offer with an obligation to buy worth around €38–40 million if they secure Champions League football.Such an offer would be a delight for United, given Zirkzee’s performances have not been convincing enough. There is optimism that the move will go through, with the Dutch international expected to arrive in Rome by mid-January.