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Aston Villa have shown an interest in signing Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to Manchester Evening News. The Villans had a dismal start to the Premier League campaign with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on the road. The club played without a specialist senior striker after Ollie Watkins was absent from the squad. The England international has already agreed on personal terms with Al-Hilal and looks eager to join the Saudi giants before the deadline. Zirkzee has been identified as a possible replacement by Villa. They are not alone, with Juventus and Napoli also keen on landing the Dutchman. Zirkzee could benefit from Villa move The Netherlands international has been with the Red Devils for the past two seasons, but has yet to establish himself as a regular number nine. The former Bologna man has netted only five goals from 56 Premier League games. Most of his appearances have come as a late substitute. Benjamin Sesko is the regular striker at United when fully fit, while Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford can all operate up front. Hence, his departure from the Red Devils before the deadline won’t be a surprise. Juventus have been described as Zirkzee’s preferred destination, and there has been talk about a loan deal with an obligation to buy next summer. That route is closed for Villa after loan deals for Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but they could be prepared to negotiate a permanent transfer. Al-Hilal have bid £40m for Watkins and hope to complete the deal in the next few days, with the Englishman having no desire to play for Villa again. If Villa move for Zirkzee, United will no doubt want to recoup the entire £36.5m fee paid to Bologna. Zirkzee may ideally prefer to return to Serie A, but could be tempted to stay in England with Villa if he is assured a starting role up front to prove his credentials. Stats from Transfermarkt.com