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Laurie Whitwell has revealed that three unnamed Premier League clubs have established their interest in Joshua Zirkzee. Along with the English sides, Como and Juventus are prepared to offer the Manchester United attacker a route back to Serie A, where he spent two years with Bologna prior to his £36.5 million Old Trafford switch. #MUFC transfers into final week of window: 🔺 Baleba deal all finalised 🔺 Hall looked at for next summer 🔺 Balde loan being explored 🔺 Atletico in for Salinas 🔺 Possible no new LB 🔺 Strikers considered if Zirkzee goesFree to read ⬇️https://t.co/vVMXeOJa3J — Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) August 25, 2026 Joshua Zirkzee: The state of play Should Zirkzee depart, it’s expected that a new striker would be brought in, but time is running out to hash out all the details required. United would need a bid that they find suitable to arrive for the Dutchman this week, giving them a few days to scour the market for a cost-effective replacement. The perfect response from Man United 👏 Just moments after going behind, Matheus Cunha finishes off a great pass from Joshua Zirkzee!@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/mbE3d7JFcI — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 4, 2026 Recently, it’s been claimed that Aston Villa had made calls over a potential deal for Zirkzee amid uncertainty over Ollie Watkins’ future. Things haven’t progressed beyond the initial approach, and the Midlands outfit have today ignited their pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta, which may rule out any further negotiations between Villa and United. 🚨 Aston Villa make bid to Crystal Palace for Jean-Philippe Mateta. Lands far below what #CPFC would seek for 29yo striker but #AVFC interest ongoing alongside indicative offer to AC Milan over Rafael Leao. Relates to Ollie Watkins situation @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/ZcwhQysuj6 — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 25, 2026 How has Zirkzee fared as of late? Zirkzee was an unused substitute for the Reds’ season-opener away to Hull City. His record under Michael Carrick now stands at 10 appearances, one start and only 127 minutes played in total, while being an unused option for six whole matches. | Appearances | Goals | Assists | | 75 | 9 | 4 | Zirkzee’s complete record across all competitions for MUFC Alas, you couldn’t blame the 25-year-old for considering a late-summer departure, especially if it looks as though he faces the same fate throughout the term. It remains to be seen which of the options available would entice him the most; whether he’d want to stick with the English top flight and play a more prominent role for another team, or return to Italy and revive his form and career in a more familiar environment.