Manchester United is poised to postpone any resolution regarding Joshua Zirkzee‘s future until later in January, as reported by ESPN, with Ruben Amorim’s team facing challenges due to injuries and player departures for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The options for Amorim have been affected by the absence of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui due to AFCON, alongside an increasing injury list including Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo.
This situation compelled the United manager to give senior debuts to 18-year-olds Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey during the 2-1 loss against Aston Villa last Sunday, and to utilize defender Lisandro Martínez as an emergency midfielder in the second half.
Zirkzee, who has faced difficulties securing regular playing time this season, is attracting attention from West Ham and Roma, among other clubs.
AC Milan had also shown interest in the Dutch player before shifting their focus to West Ham’s German forward Niclas Füllkrug.
Reports indicate that United have not yet received any official contact from other clubs.
Zirkzee — estimated to be valued at approximately £30.5 million ($47m) by United — plans to consider any proposals that may come in January.
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The 24-year-old realizes that he must be playing more consistently to secure his spot in the Netherlands side ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
However, United are wary of their already limited squad and have communicated to Zirkzee and his agents that he continues to be an essential member of Amorim’s team, even if not always in the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, United remain competitive for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
The winger has a £65m release clause applicable during the initial 10 days of the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old also has interest from Manchester City and clubs are awaiting the winger’s indication of preference before reaching out to Bournemouth.
Semenyo’s release will again be valid in the summer for a lower fee, but there is a growing sense that he will opt to leave the Vitality Stadium next month.
