United and Juventus in 'full swing' loan talks to offload Zirkzee before deadline

Manchester United and Juventus are locked in negotiations over a loan deal for Joshua Zirkzee, with talks described as being in ‘full swing’ according to Sky Sport Italy, as Tuesday’s 11pm transfer deadline approaches. The Italian club have submitted a £2.1m loan offer that includes a £25.6m buy option at the end of the season, but United are pushing for a buyout clause closer to £30m — nearer to the £36.5m they paid Bologna for the Dutch forward in 2024.

Zirkzee had previously been linked with a loan move to Fiorentina, but he turned down that option, with the Serie A club subsequently moving to sign Beto from Everton instead. The 24-year-old is understood to have been holding out specifically for Juventus, leaving his short-term future in limbo as the window enters its final hours.

The forward has started the season on the periphery at Old Trafford, serving as an unused substitute in United’s opening two Premier League fixtures against Hull City and Ipswich Town. Matheus Cunha has established himself as manager Michael Carrick’s first-choice centre forward, with Benjamin Sesko providing cover from the bench.

Carrick addressed Zirkzee’s situation following Sunday’s win over Ipswich, stopping short of ruling out a departure. “It’s always difficult to say, to be honest, when there’s so little time left, but we’re always open if there’s something else to be able to add,” he said. “I wouldn’t shut that down but, as it stands, we’ll have to wait and see.”

Should Zirkzee remain at the club beyond the deadline, the addition of Champions League football to United’s schedule could open up more first-team minutes. However, Marcus Rashford’s reintegration into the squad and the emergence of young forward Shea Lacey may limit him largely to cup appearances and substitute roles.

Juventus are also exploring a separate loan deal for Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade, with the German forward available to leave St James’ Park following the strong early-season form of Yoane Wissa and William Osula.