{
  "id": 13424529,
  "title": "Joshua Zirkzee: Napoli to use Højlund and McTominay to win race for Man United star",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/joshua-zirkzee-napoli-to-use-h-jlund-and-mctominay-to-win-race-for",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T13:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/joshua-zirkzee-napoli-h-jlund-133500478.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Napoli is intensifying its pursuit of Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, according to recent reports. The Dutchman's future at Old Trafford has been a subject of speculation since a failed summer exit. Since joining Bologna in 2024, Zirkzee has struggled to secure his place in the Manchester United first team, netting just nine goals in 79 appearances. Napoli has already made contact with United, indicating they are carefully assessing the 25-year-old's profile. United has indicated they might part with Zirkzee, either on loan or permanently, with a potential fee of around £30-35 million. Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has a strategy in place, supported by the involvement of former Manchester United players Rasmus Højlund and Scott McTominay, who could advise Zirkzee to join them. Juventus is also interested in Zirkzee, and the Bianconeri may struggle to accommodate both him and Nick Woltemade, a recent loan signing from Newcastle United. A return to Serie A for Zirkzee seems plausible in January, but Manchester United must secure a replacement if they let him go.",
  "summary": "Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee’s future remains subject to speculation after a failed exit this summer. The Dutchman was expected to leave in search of greener pastures this year after fal...",
  "key_points": [
    "Napoli pursuing Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.",
    "Zirkzee struggled for playing time at Bologna, scoring 9 goals in 79 appearances.",
    "Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, will advise Zirkzee to join them."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Napoli make initial contact for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/napoli-make-initial-contact-for-manchester-uniteds-joshua-zirkzee",
        "published": "2026-10-10T08:11:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}