Manchester United have rejected a deadline day loan bid from Everton for striker Joshua Zirkzee, with the Netherlands international set to remain at Old Trafford until at least January.
Everton submitted a proposal to take Zirkzee to Goodison Park on a temporary basis as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the 11pm transfer deadline.
Zirkzee's uncertain summer
Zirkzee had been heavily linked with a move away from United throughout the summer, with Fiorentina and Juventus both previously mentioned as potential destinations. However, no deal was agreed with either Serie A club, which would have seen the striker return to Italy.
The Toffees had also been strongly linked with Monaco striker Folarin Balogun in recent days, though reports suggest that deal could be in doubt. It is believed Everton had identified Zirkzee as an alternative to Balogun should a transfer for the former Arsenal centre forward fail to materialise.
Zirkzee's position at United
Zirkzee was open to a switch to Everton, though such a move would have left United with little time to bring in a replacement. He has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford over the past year, particularly following United's busy transfer activity last summer.
The arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha at United last year left Zirkzee with little time on the pitch during the previous campaign, fuelling speculation he could be heading for the exit door this summer.
Zirkzee is yet to feature for United this season, having been named as an unused substitute in both of their opening Premier League fixtures against Hull City and Ipswich Town.
Carrick on further signings
United manager Carrick was quizzed on the prospect of bringing in further reinforcements following their 5-2 victory over Ipswich at the weekend.
"It's always difficult to say, to be honest, when there's so little time left," Carrick said. "I think the situation that we're in, I think the business that we've managed to do, I'm pleased with. I think we're a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team."
"Adding Marcus [Rashford] into that feels like a new signing. So, in that respect, we're quite happy. We're always open to if there's something else to be able to add, so I wouldn't shut that down, but as it stands, we'll have to wait and see."
