Roma look set to complete a deal to sign Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee in January.
The Italian side wants the striker to help bolster their frontline ahead of a pursuit towards the Serie A title.
Gianpiero Gasperini’s side have struggled for goals, having scored 17 goals in 16 games. They sit three points adrift of table-toppers Inter Milan, who also have a game in hand.
The feeling in Rome is that the club won’t be able to sustain their pressure at the top without a new frontman.
Roma set to sign Joshua Zirkzee
According to Gazzetta, a deal for Zirkzee to end his time in Manchester is almost complete.
They write that contact with Manchester United chiefs was intensified last weekend, and they have agreed in principle a loan deal with a €40million obligation to buy if the club qualify for the Champions League.
It adds that Zirkzee has already agreed personal terms with Roma and is ready to make the switch.
The 24-year-old Dutchman has struggled to hit his potential since moving to Old Trafford in the summer of 2024.
He’s remained on the periphery of the first team this season, with Ruben Amorim starting him in just four league games.
Bruno Fernandes’ injury, plus Bryan Mbuemo and Amad Diallo’s participation at AFCON, will not have an impact on the deal.
United will be happy to free up his wages and recoup the £36.5m they paid Bayern Munich for him to invest in other areas of the squad.
They have been linked with Bournemouth’s midfield talent Alex Scott.
Zirkzee also has experience playing in Italy, having spent time at Parma and Bologna.
Evan Ferguson braced to leave Roma
The impending arrival spells bad news for Evan Ferguson, whose loan spell with the club is set to be cut short.
At the weekend, manager Gasperini aimed a brutal swipe at Ferguson following the 2-1 defeat against Juventus.
He said: “If I had to choose between Paulo Dybala and Ferguson, I’d choose Dybala all day, every day.
“You need more to be a centre-forward than being tall. It’s not just about technique; he hasn’t settled into the spirit of this team.”
Ferguson has made five Serie A starts, scoring just once – his first league goal in over 12 months.
The 21-year-old Irishman will now return to Brighton behind Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter in the pecking order, and another loan move may be in the offering.
