Revealed: The real reason Man United will not sanction Joshua Zirkzee transfer
Joshua Zirkzee will not be able to leave Man United in January due to some of his colleagues departing for the African Cup of Nations.
Sources told Football Insider that Zirkzee is growing increasingly frustrated at Man United after being seemingly frozen out of the squad.
Ruben Amorim is keen to not weaken his side despite interest from Everton in signing Zirkzee in January.
Similarly, sources told Football Insider that West Ham are eager to bring in Zirkzee to revitalise their attacking frontline, although the Red Devils boss remains bullish on retaining his services.
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo AFCON absences mean Man United will only part with Zirkzee if lucrative bid is received
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Amorim is set to lose both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo as they head off for international duties in December.
The pair potentially may not return until mid-January, leaving the Red Devils light in the attacking department.
Zirkzee would only leave Man United in January if they received an offer above £30million, according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over the repercussions of AFCON on the Dutchman’s potential move away, I explained: “They’re going to lose Mbeumo and possibly Amad Diallo on international duty when AFCON starts in December so, that could leave them a bit short up front.
“Ruben Amorim doesn’t want to really weaken his squad so Zirkzee might be needed then and he might get more game time for United while Mbuemo is away at the African Cup of Nations.
“I don’t think United want to weaken their squad midway through the season as well. So they may be blocking any potential moves for Zirkzee unless they’re able to find a replacement or a deal is too good to turn down.”
West Ham to offer irresistible offer for Zirkzee if they receive monster amount for Lucas Paqueta
Given the only way to sway the Red Devils from letting go of the ex-Bologna man is through a substantial bid, one of his suitors may need to offload their star man to facilitate the move.
Sources told Football Insider that West Ham would be tempted to sell Lucas Paqueta if they received a huge fee.
The Brazilian was linked with a move to Aston Villa and Man City over the summer and the Irons may still cash in on him if the right price is agreed.
The sale would raise significant funds for Nuno Espirito Santo who could then try and persuade United to part with Zirkzee.