Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is closing in on a move to Fiorentina, with the Serie A club poised to agree a loan deal with an option to buy, according to reports. The Dutchman signed for United from Bologna two summers ago for £36.5m but has struggled to replicate his impressive form at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee set for Florence move
Zirkzee has seen a host of forwards arrive in recent years, pushing him down the pecking order. A return to Italy has been touted, and Fiorentina—where former United goalkeeper David de Gea now plays—are set to land his signature. Several Serie A clubs had been keen, including Juventus and Como.
Fiorentina need a striker as Moise Kean is expected to head to Como, which has forced them into the market. The Athletic reports that a loan with an option to buy is likely, although United may have to take a loss on the £36.5m they paid for him.
Rashford returns to bolster attack
Michael Carrick's forward line has received notable investment in the last 12 months, with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo all arriving. Marcus Rashford has now returned to Manchester after his loan spell in Spain, making his first appearance in more than 18 months as a substitute in the loss at Hull.
Barcelona opted against signing Rashford permanently, leaving him with no option but to return to Old Trafford. Carrick and Rashford have previously been team-mates, and the 28-year-old forward has shown he can still be a huge asset when focused and on form. In 2022/23 he scored 30 times, and even last year as a squad player at Barcelona, he scored 14 goals.
Rashford has been handed the No 9 shirt, pointing to a major role this summer. Last weekend, despite having Sesko available, it was Rashford that Carrick first turned to when looking to turn the tide at Hull. Rashford's old No 10 shirt went to Cunha when he joined from Wolves last summer.
Left-back search continues
Luke Shaw started all 38 of United's league games last term, dispelling myths about his lack of durability, but his injury record prior to that had been dire. Now into his 30s, talk of landing a new left-back has been on United's radar this summer.
Lewis Hall is the most obvious target, but Newcastle are adamant there will be no more sales this summer. The Englishman enjoyed his best season to date last season, but the Magpies would need an astronomical fee to even consider selling—and that appears to be beyond United financially.
Other targets have been eyed, including Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, who was left out of their La Liga victory over Elche. Head coach Hansi Flick claimed he needed the full-back to "clear his mind" amid transfer speculation. Barcelona are said to value him between €30m (£25.6m) and €40m (£34.2m).
Another La Liga-based player, Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander, is also on the United shortlist. The teenage star has a €16m (£13.7m) release clause but is wanted by Atletico Madrid and may prefer to remain in his homeland.
Midfield was ultimately the priority this summer, and Carrick recently landed his third addition in that area in the form of Carlos Baleba. He is part of a £155m investment into the middle of the pitch alongside Andrey Santos, a £48m signing from Chelsea, and the £35m capture of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
Baleba at £70m is the most expensive of the trio, with Santos and Tielemans starting alongside each other in the shock loss at Hull. The Cameroonian was on United's radar last summer, and after a window that has seen Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali move in £100m plus deals, Baleba could represent good value in the current market.
