What Joshua Zirkzee plans to do at Man United will be music to David Sullivan’s ears
West Ham United look set to be handed a serious boost in their reported pursuit of Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee was first linked with West Ham while at Bologna, but he instead made the move to Old Trafford in July 2024.
The Netherlands international has struggled to get going at Man United and could be on the move in the January transfer window.
Indeed, it was reported this week that Nuno Espirito Santo wants Zirkzee at West Ham, with David Sullivan potentially sanctioning the signing.
And a new update provided on Thursday suggests that a move to West Ham now looks more likely given Zirkzee‘s stance at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee to ask for Man United exit
West Ham are not alone in wanting to sign Zirkzee, with Serie A side Roma having also been linked in recent days.
Ironically, Evan Ferguson could prevent West Ham signing Zirkzee as Roma supposedly want to send the former West Ham loanee back to Brighton in order to facilitate a move.
In a report by John Cross of The Express, it has now been claimed that Zirkzee intends to ask to leave Man United.
The same report adds that West Ham lead the race to sign the Dutchman, with Man United possibly looking to sell in January or loan him out if not.
If this is true and Zirkzee does indeed ask to leave United, it will be music to the ears of Sullivan at the London Stadium.
How much did Man United pay for Zirkzee?
Given United paid £36.5million for Zirkzee a little over a year ago, the 24-year-old will not come cheap.
However, the fact that he intends to ask to leave may force United’s hand somewhat. While they do not have to sell as such given the length of his contract, they know his value will only decrease further.
| Apps | Goals | Assists | |
| 2024-25 | 46 | 6 | 2 |
| 2025-26 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
If there is money there to be spent, likely after selling a player, West Ham could always test the waters with a lowball offer.
It was reported by Sky Sports this week that West Ham want at least one new forward in the January window.
At worst, a loan deal for Zirkzee would make sense in January as a test drive so to speak.
Either way, this transfer speculation involving West Ham and Zirkzee appears to carry a fair bit of weight.
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