United “keeping the door closed” on €40m star’s exit after Amorim demanded INEOS reject all offers – Fabrizio Romano

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim’s stance on a potential sale of Joshua Zirkzee has emerged as the player continues to attract interest from Italy.

United rebuffed summer offers for Zirkzee

At certain stages during the summer transfer window, there was speculation over Zirkzee’s United future, with the strongest advances coming from Italy.

Despite a tough start to life, Zirkzee enjoyed a strong finish to the 2024/25 season, which saw him become a key player under Amorim.

The likes of Juventus and Napoli were mentioned to be keen on the Dutchman. It’s believed that Juventus went as far as proposing a loan deal with an option to buy and possibly an obligation under certain conditions.

However, despite bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, United made it clear they were not looking to offload Zirkzee.

The 24-year-old also had no desire to leave, insisting he only wanted to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.

So far this term, Zirkzee has made just two Premier League appearances, both of which have come from the bench.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Italian teams are keeping close tabs on the situation with a view to swooping in for him when the winter window commences. However, they will be disappointed as Amorim still wants to retain Zirkzee.

Romano gives update on Zirkzee’s future

Romano wrote, “Sources tell GIVEMESPORT that Amorim considers Zirkzee an important player as he can play behind the striker or as a No.9, while adding quality, assists and goals to the squad. This is why the Portuguese tactician stopped his exit in January and again in the summer.”

“But sources have revealed to GMS that top Italian clubs have not stopped thinking about Zirkzee, who is on a contract worth more than £130,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, at all.”

“He is not a regular starter at Old Trafford now and, while the situation is still 100 per cent calm with Zirkzee fighting for his place, Italian clubs are keeping a close eye on the situation for January or the summer transfer window as they plan for potential new attacks.”

Romano notes that Zirkzee’s case is one to keep a close eye on, but at the moment, both United and the player are “keeping their doors closed.”

United are back in action on Sunday when they face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Featured image Ion Alcoba Beitia via Getty Images

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