Top News

Manchester United are likely to require a back-up striker if Joshua Zirkzee leaves this summer.

In spite of the Dutch forward’s strong displays in pre-season, Michael Carrick is not believed to have the 25-year-old in his plans for the current campaign.

At present, Fiorentina appear to have moved into pole position ahead of Juventus and Napoli, having proposed to INEOS a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy.

The Red Devils would rather secure a permanent resolution straightaway, and Juventus reportedly have one final option they can put forward.

According to Football Fancast, the 20-time English league champions have been presented with the possibility of a straight swap that would see Jonathan David move in the opposite direction.

The former Lille striker, who netted a hat-trick at the recent World Cup, could offer Carrick an intriguing option in the attacking department.

“Football FanCast sources understand Juventus have now joined the race for Zirkzee, with Jonathan David potentially becoming the makeweight.

“United are fully intent on moving Zirkzee on for good this window – they already have a loan-with-obligation offer from Fiorentina on the table, but would rather cut ties permanently now rather than revisit the situation next summer.

“Juventus, for their part, have a similar problem with David and want him off the wage bill to free up room for their own incomings, and sources understand the striker’s agent has contacted United directly to encourage them to offer Zirkzee in exchange for the Canadian, who has 42 goals in 82 caps for his country.”

The Serie A side are understood to value the Canada international at around £31-34 million, while United would receive £21.4 million in addition to a £4.2 million loan fee if Zirkzee completes a move to Florence.

On paper, that may appear the stronger deal, especially with INEOS looking for a reserve striker, but the Juventus forward has found things difficult since arriving in Turin.

The 26-year-old scored only eight goals in his first season in Italy, and with numbers like that, there appears to be little logic in signing the Canada international.

TEAMtalk reports that intermediaries have offered him to United, but what Carrick requires is a striker with a proven scoring record.

Alexander Sorloth fits that profile because of his recent goal return and his Premier League experience. It remains to be seen where Zirkzee ends up and which player INEOS bring in before the transfer deadline.