United set £30m asking price for Zirkzee as Amorim's AC Milan plot reunion

Manchester United have placed a £30 million asking price on Joshua Zirkzee, with Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan emerging as one of the frontrunners to sign the Dutch forward, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a return to Serie A for over a year, with Juventus, Fiorentina and Roma all previously credited with interest. Fiorentina reportedly tabled a fee matching United’s current valuation — around €35 million — last summer, but Zirkzee rejected the move in favour of a switch to Juventus that never materialised. Milan, meanwhile, came close to signing him before withdrawing over issues with his agent.

United are also open to an initial loan arrangement, a structure that would suit Milan’s reported preference for a temporary deal before any permanent transfer. The prospect of a reunion with Amorim, who managed Zirkzee during his brief spell at Old Trafford before departing for the San Siro, adds an extra dimension to Milan’s interest.

Zirkzee’s opportunities at United have been limited this season, though injuries to first-choice striker Benjamin Sesko have opened the door for substitute appearances. That upturn in minutes has had tangible consequences: the forward was recalled to the Netherlands squad and scored the winner in a 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Serbia.

Speaking about his situation, Zirkzee acknowledged the difficulty of his squad role. “At the moment, that means I am mainly coming on as a substitute. And in the end, I have to do something about that myself, even if it isn’t easy,” he said. On his international recall, he added: “I absolutely did not expect a call-up. I’m obviously not a starter, so it did give me a good feeling that the coach had confidence in me.”

Manager Michael Carrick has largely preferred Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in attack, with Cunha also carrying a shin problem that has kept him out of recent fixtures. Sesko’s continued absence is currently working in Zirkzee’s favour, but United’s willingness to sell at the right price suggests his long-term future at the club remains uncertain.