Fiorentina in talks with Man United over Zirkzee - sources

Fiorentina are in discussions with Manchester United over a deal for Joshua Zirkzee, sources have told ESPN.

The Serie A side have not yet made a formal bid, but talks are ongoing. United are open to offers for the Dutch forward, who has also been the subject of interest from Juventus and Napoli.

Negotiations with Fiorentina are centering on an initial loan move with an option to make the move permanent next summer.

Zirkzee has scored nine goals in 75 appearances for United since arriving from Bologna in a £36.5 million ($50m) deal in 2024. The 25-year-old was an unused substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Hull City on the opening weekend of the season.

He enjoyed a successful 2023-24 campaign in Italy with Bologna, scoring 11 goals in 34 games.

If Zirkzee leaves, it would create more room to make another signing before the transfer deadline. So far this summer, United have spent £155 million ($211m) on three midfielders -- Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.

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Sources have told ESPN that United bosses are assessing potential options at left back and in the forward line regardless of whether or not Zirkzee moves on.

There's an acceptance internally that there is still a weakness at left-back, although head coach Michael Carrick has options with Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot.