Joshua Zirkzee is the subject of interest from clubs in Italy amid uncertainty over his Manchester United future.
The Dutch international has struggled since completing his £36.5m transfer to Old Trafford from Serie A side Bologna in the summer.
Zirkzee scored on his debut that appears presently to be a false dawn for the forward who has scored just four goals in 27 appearances.
Things went from bad to worse for Zirkzee during Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Monday night.
There were cheers from the Old Trafford faithful when Zirkzee was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo after just 33 minutes.
Sky Germany, as per the Mail, reported that Zirkzee was seen with tears in his eyes as he immediately went down the tunnel after his substitution.
Zirkzee would ultimately return to the dugout to take his place on the bench. However, the latest setback in his United career has fuelled further speculation he could leave the club.
"I feel sorry for him, there's a human being in there…" 🎙
Joshua Zirkzee is replaced by Kobbie Mainoo after half an hour. pic.twitter.com/v9FBAvkK3x
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 30, 2024
United Striker Zirkzee Attracting Interest From Juventus And Napoli
Despite his struggles in England, Serie A pair Juventus and Napoli are reportedly prepared to fight for the Manchester United star’s services.
The Daily Mail report that despite the interest, Zirkzee is prepared to fight for his Manchester United future.
Zirkzee has a high stock in Italy after his performances helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season.
Both Juventus and Napoli would like to bolster their attacking options in the middle of an enthralling race for the title in Italy.
Napoli are second in the league – but only on goal difference to leaders Inter Milan.
Juventus are sixth in the table but not completely out of the race being nine points behind the pair.
Both clubs are reportedly manoeuvering themselves into a position to strike for Zirkzee should he become available for sale.
Zirkzee ‘Suffering’ At Manchester United
The future of Joshua Zirkzee also looks uncertain after comments from Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim acknowledged that Zirkzee is ‘suffering’ as he explained why he replaced him in the 33rd minute against Newcastle.
He told reporters: “Josh is a really good lad. We will support him and keep going. It was really tough for me to do that, but I’ve spoken to Josh as it was important to express the message. We needed Josh to go out, for the team.
“The player is suffering and I was there myself a few years ago. I felt he and the team were suffering during the game and we needed another midfielder. It was tough on me to do that and I’ve talked with Josh about that because it’s important to relay the message.”
Defeat to Newcastle has left Manchester United seven points above the relegation zone.
