Manchester United have slashed their asking price for Joshua Zirkzee after the £36.5m transfer flop asked to go away Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag welcomed Zirkzee to United in 2024 after being left impressed by his form in Serie A with Bologna.
Zirkzee, 24, hit double figures in his final season in Italy but has failed to achieve those heights in Manchester, scoring just five Premier League goals over the past two seasons.
The Netherlands international was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford last summer but ended up staying as United as an alternative moved on Rasmus Hojlund.
Zirkzee was again linked with an exit throughout the January transfer window but was not blown away by a suggestion and due to this fact decided to remain and fight for his place within the United team.
Not even a change in manager has helped Zirkzee revive his Red Devils profession, nevertheless, with the forward failing to start out a single game since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim within the hot-seat.
Having did not win back a spot within the team, Zirkzee has now come to the realisation that a summer move is in the very best interests of all parties.
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Roma were on the front of the queue to sign Zirkzee in January and were in talks with Manchester United over an initial loan with an obligation to purchase for around £35m.
The Italian club remain considering a deal but face latest competition from Serie A rivals Juventus, who’re said to be ‘intrigued’ by the opportunity of signing Zirkzee.
Zirkzee’s agent Kia Joorabchian has reportedly made it clear to other clubs that a summer move is an actual possibility, with Tuttosport claiming he’ll cost around £20m.
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Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit believes Zirkzee made a mistake joining Manchester United and has repeatedly urged his compatriot to search out a brand new club.
‘I saw that Roma perhaps desired to take him and I hope that he’ll leave Manchester United,’ Gullit said in January.
‘For me, there was all the time a doubt that it was the suitable decision to go there. I believe he must have stayed in Serie A. He was doing well with Bologna.
‘I believe he must have gone to a greater team in Italy. For him it will have been significantly better.
‘Have a look at Scott McTominay. It’s unbelievable how well McTominay has done since he left Old Trafford. It’s incredible, it’s implausible to observe.
‘At United he was more like a twelfth man, than he was a player and look how he has flourished, just playing every game is so vital.’
Manchester United clinched an important 3-1 win over top-four rivals Aston Villa last trip and return to Premier League motion on Friday night against Bournemouth.
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