United tempted by offer for in-demand star, exit will unlock January spending spree – Fabrizio Romano

AS Roma appear convinced that Joshua Zirkzee is the player to add an extra edge to their title charge, or at least that is what their latest actions strongly suggest. With no European football and an early exit from the Carabao Cup, Manchester United have faced fewer fixtures in the first half of the season. As a result, some players, such as Zirkzee, have struggled to secure meaningful game time. With the World Cup looming in the summer of 2026, the Dutch striker, like any footballer, knows that prolonged spells on the bench could jeopardise his chances of making the showpiece. These frustrations have inevitably fuelled speculation about an Old Trafford exit this winter. Roma–Zirkzee agreement Italian heavyweights Roma have been the most persistent suitors. Reports suggest head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views Zirkzee as an ideal fit for his system. Just days ago, The Peoples Person relayed claims that the Giallorossi had managed to convince the Dutch striker to join them. Roma, sitting fourth in the Serie A table, just three points off the top, are keen to replace the struggling Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Evan Ferguson. Having convinced Zirkzee about their project, the Italian outfit have now taken the next step in their pursuit. Club-to-club offer made According to Fabrizio Romano on his Italian YouTube channel, Roma have tabled an official offer to United for Zirkzee: “Manchester United have confirmed that they have received an official offer from Roma for Joshua Zirkzee. “It is a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy, and Manchester United have confirmed, through intermediaries, that they have received this proposal from Roma. “Manchester United, as I told you in the days before Christmas, are taking their time.” Zirkzee has failed to establish himself at United, and Roma’s willingness to secure him on loan with a conditional obligation to buy represents a tempting proposal now on the table. Zirkzee exit could unlock United’s winter plans The Red Devils, meanwhile, have ambitions of their own this winter. Allowing Zirkzee to depart could free up funds for reinforcements. Savings on his wages, coupled with the obligation to buy, would hand the Red Devils leverage to pursue the midfielder or left wing-back they desire. Alternatively, INEOS could also attempt to win the race to bring former Barcelona striker Vitor Roque back to Europe. Featured image Justin Setterfield 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 Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.