Manchester United will postpone any decisions regarding Joshua Zirkzee‘s future until later in the January transfer window, according to ESPN sources. This comes as Ruben Amorim’s team faces serious challenges with a number of injuries and players leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The absence of key players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui due to AFCON, along with a growing injury list that includes Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo, has left the squad severely limited.
Consequently, United’s manager had to give senior debuts to 18-year-olds Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey during their 2-1 loss against Aston Villa on Sunday. Additionally, defender Lisandro Martínez was utilized as an emergency midfielder in the second half.
Zirkzee, who has had limited playing time this season, is attracting interest from clubs like West Ham and Roma.
AC Milan also expressed interest in the Dutch player before opting for West Ham’s German forward Niclas Füllkrug.
Sources indicate that Manchester United has not yet had any club-to-club communication regarding Zirkzee.
Currently valued at around £30.5 million ($47 million), Zirkzee is ready to consider any offers received in January.
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The 24-year-old is aware that he needs to secure more consistent playing time to make a case for a spot on the Netherlands World Cup squad next summer.
However, Manchester United has expressed concerns about their already depleted squad, assuring Zirkzee and his representatives that he is still an essential part of Amorim’s plans, even if he may not always start.
In addition, United is competing for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65 million release clause that is valid for the first 10 days of the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old winger is also attracting attention from Manchester City, and clubs are waiting for his indication of preference before reaching out to Bournemouth.
Semenyo’s release clause will be available again in the summer at a reduced fee, but there is a growing sense that he may opt to leave the Vitality Stadium next month.