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Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has put Aston Villa’s transfer offer on hold, having given his word to Juventus, according to Corriere dello Sport (page 2). The Netherlands international has been a fringe player for the Red Devils over the past 12 months, and he is currently well down the pecking order for the centre-forward role. Juventus have identified Zirkzee as their priority target to bolster their frontline, but they are not alone in the race, with Premier League club Aston Villa also vying for his services. Corriere dello Sport now reveal that the 25-year-old is Juventus’ priority target and there is already a direct line of communication between the Bianconeri and United. A season-long loan deal is possible, but United are pushing for a mandatory purchase clause. Meanwhile, Zirkzee has put the ‘Villa offer on hold to honour the word he gave to Juventus’, and may only listen to the Midlands outfit if the Bianconeri can’t agree on a suitable deal. United should demand an obligatory buy clause from Juventus for Zirkzee The Dutchman had a relatively good pre-season with United, scoring two goals and providing an assist. However, that has not changed his standing in the squad. Zirkzee was an unused substitute in the Premier League opener against Hull City, where Matheus Cunha was chosen to lead the line. Benjamin Sesko did not play any part during pre-season due to his recovery from a shin injury sustained in May. Despite this, he came off the bench ahead of Zirkzee during the 2-0 defeat. Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford can also play upfront. Hence, we are not surprised that Zirkzee is looking for a way out and has a preference to return to Serie A with Juventus. Still, United should not accept a season-long loan without an assurance to buy. Zirkzee was signed from Bologna for £36.5 million, and Tuttosport recently claimed that the Red Devils could hold out for up to £30m for an obligation to buy at the end of the campaign. In our view, a £4-5m loan fee with a £30m mandatory buy clause, should be United’s demand from Juventus. If not, the Red Devils should seek to negotiate with other interested clubs. The Athletic have claimed that three Premier League sides are keen on the Dutchman. Villa seem among those, and they have the funds to sign Zirkzee permanently after their recent selling spree. Stats from Transfermarkt.com