Roma Step Up Zirkzee Pursuit as Man United Resist Early Exit With Milan Rejoining Race

United seek a loan that converts to a €35m purchase, creating a timing standoff that could push talks later in the window.

Overview

Roma have moved from exploration to formal talks to sign Joshua Zirkzee after receiving approval from the Friedkin ownership, according to Gazzetta dello Sport reports relayed by Yahoo Sports.
Manchester United are open to a January loan only if it includes a mandatory €35m buy clause in June, while Roma have pushed for conditions such as tying the obligation to Champions League qualification.
AC Milan have resumed contact with agent Kia Joorabchian about Zirkzee and are also weighing alternatives like Mauro Icardi and Niclas Füllkrug, per Football Italia’s read of Gazzetta.
Fabrizio Romano reports United do not want to sanction early-January exits due to Africa Cup of Nations absences, signaling any move could be delayed.
Roma want a striker in place early in January, yet there has been no indication Zirkzee has formally asked to leave, leaving negotiations active but unresolved.