Manchester United have turned down an offer worth £28m for wantaway forward Joshua Zirkzee, according to reports. The Netherlands international has struggled at Old Trafford since his £36.5m move from Bologna in 2024.
Zirkzee scored just three Premier League goals in his first season in England and contributed only two in all competitions last term. Manager Michael Carrick is open to selling the 25-year-old, having left him on the bench for United's first two games of the season – a shock 2-0 defeat to Hull City and a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town.
Juventus keen on Zirkzee return to Italy
Zirkzee has been strongly linked with a return to Italy, where he thrived before his move to Manchester two years ago. Serie A giants Juventus are keen to secure his signature and have been encouraged by reports that Zirkzee has approved the move, knowing regular minutes are needed to revive his stuttering career.
Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Maria says talks between Manchester United and Juventus are 'in full swing', with hope a deal can be struck before the summer transfer window closes on Tuesday. Juventus offered a loan fee of €2.5m (£2.1m) with a buyout option set at €30m (£26m), but United rejected the proposal.
United hold out for higher package
The report suggests Manchester United want the total package to reach €35m (£30m) and will demand an obligation to buy rather than an option. Juventus are keen to sign Zirkzee as Canadian forward Jonathan David edges closer to a move to Atletico Madrid, who are preparing for Julian Alvarez's potential exit.
Earlier this month, former United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen urged Zirkzee to leave Old Trafford. Speaking on talkSPORT, Meulensteen said: 'I've heard a rumour that he might be moving to Juventus, and I thought that would be a good move for him. It's been evident that he hasn't been a regular starter; he's been a bit of a bit-part player. I don't think he has shown he is good enough to warrant being a starter for the coming season, especially with Sesko who has done so well under Michael.'
Carrick reflects on Ipswich win
United responded to their opening-day defeat to Hull with an emphatic win over Ipswich. 'Results are nice to win like that,' Carrick said. 'I said after the game last week that we were disappointed and it has hurt all week. We managed it well and didn't make too much of it in the end. We shouldn't be going down 1-0 at home. We're going to have setbacks along the way, but it's how you deal with them. The quality comes and we have a good day because we score goals and win well. They had a couple of moments and we got back to it and took control. The second half was particularly good. Delighted, a lot of positives.'
Carrick's Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday against Everton.
