Manchester United transfer expected to be done ‘by mid-January’ – Confidence on big exit

For months, the Italian media have been reporting Joshua Zirkzee could move to AS Roma on loan with a conditional obligation to buy. Their English counterparts caught up on that over the past week or so and the transfer story has grown. 

Zirkzee was given a cameo in Manchester United’s victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day. However, his typically passive performance underlined why it’s unlikely he’ll make it at Old Trafford.

A return to Serie A looks like the best solution for both parties. Manchester United will want to secure that before his value drops further, and January looks key.

For weeks, it’s been stated in Italy that due to AFCON, the Red Devils want to wait until later in January. That’s a risky strategy, with the chance Roma look elsewhere.

Confidence Manchester United transfer is happening

Saturday’s edition of Corriere dello Sport reports Roma have made their first offer. Of course, this is about the fourth time similar has been reported, but perhaps they now refer to an official offer.

That stands at a loan with an obligation to buy should Champions League qualification be secured. If all the boxes are ticked, Roma would pay around €30m.

Manchester United want €40m, but it’s believed the gap can be negotiated.

Gazzetta dello Sport have their own take. The famous old Italian newspaper believe Roma could end up paying €38-40m. That would be quite some result for the Premier League club given Zirkzee’s performances.

There’s confidence a transfer will happen, and Zirkzee ‘should be in Rome by mid-January’.