Manchester United are in the spotlight as they explore the sale of their £36.5 million star player, with direct talks underway and four Premier League clubs also expressing interest. The latest scoop from TEAMtalk reveals that Roma has taken the lead in the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee, with negotiations between the Italian club and Manchester United in full swing. This development comes as a surprise, given the rival interest from other Premier League clubs. Sources in Rome and Manchester confirm the contact between the clubs, as Roma aims to strengthen their attack by acquiring the Dutch striker. Zirkzee, who has only started three Premier League games this season, finds himself in a challenging position due to the injury to Benjamin Sesko. United's hierarchy is open to offers around €35-40 million or a loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause, indicating their willingness to part ways with the player. The potential sale is driven by the need to streamline the attack and raise funds for a supporting forward. Roma's sporting director, Frederic Massara, views Zirkzee as the missing piece to complete their attacking overhaul, as Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson have struggled to meet expectations. Zirkzee's return to Serie A is a possibility, as he previously showcased his talent with 11 goals for Bologna in the 2023/24 season, before his £36.5 million move to United. While Roma is pushing hardest, they are not alone in their pursuit, facing competition from other Italian giants and four Premier League sides. AC Milan, Juventus, and Inter are also in the running, while West Ham, Brighton, Aston Villa, and Everton are ready to pounce if United's demands are met. The race to sign Zirkzee is intensifying, with the next two weeks crucial in determining his future. With Ferguson's exit all but confirmed, personal terms are unlikely to be a hurdle. Regular football and a realistic chance to play for the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup are now within reach for Zirkzee, providing a glimmer of hope after a challenging six months in Manchester. Meanwhile, TEAMtalk's transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reveals that Manchester City is the favorite to sign Bahia striker Dell, who has drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland. The 17-year-old's impressive performances at the Under-17 World Cup have caught the attention of United scouts, but City's connection with Bahia gives them an advantage. In other news, TEAMtalk correspondent Dean Jones reports that United sources are confident they can match Antoine Semenyo's £65 million release clause in January, indicating their determination to strengthen their squad.
