Sky: Negotiations in ‘full swing’ — Man Utd aiming to agree swift £30m deal for 25-year-old before deadline

Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Manchester United and Juventus are engaged in "full swing" negotiations for 25-year-old Joshua Zirkzee. The Italian club has submitted a £2.1 million loan offer, which includes a buy option of £25.6 million at the end of the season. However, Man Utd is reportedly aiming for a buyout fee closer to £30 million, as they want to ensure they are getting their money's worth for the young Dutch player.

Zirkzee was an unused substitute for the second consecutive match as United secured a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. It remains unclear if manager Michael Carrick's decision to leave Zirkzee on the bench was purely tactical or if he anticipated the player's impending departure. The addition of Champions League football to the schedule could provide Zirkzee with more opportunities if he remains at Old Trafford.

However, the reintegration of Marcus Rashford and Carrick's intention to promote young talent such as Shea Lacey might limit Zirkzee to cup appearances and off-the-bench cameos. Despite this, Zirkzee may still push for a move, even if only on loan. Juventus had previously approached United to gauge interest in taking the Bayern Munich graduate on loan, but the out-of-favor Red rejected the offer. With Juventus closing in on a deal for fellow Bayern Munich player Beto, Zirkzee continues to weigh his options at Old Trafford.