Man Utd face familiar Jadon Sancho problem as new buyer found for forward

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee could be on his way to Italy, with AS Roma reportedly showing interest in the Dutch international. The Serie A club has previously shown interest in United's out-of-favour stars, having targeted Jadon Sancho last summer before wage demands scuppered the deal.

Zirkzee, who made a name for himself at Bologna and helped the club secure a Champions League spot under Thiago Motta in 2024, is said to be open to a pay cut to facilitate a move to the Stadio Olimpico, according to Sky Sport Switzerland. AC Milan is also listed as a potential destination for the striker.

A reunion with Motta at Juventus had been speculated, but the head coach's departure from Turin in March put an end to such rumours. Both Roma and Milan currently occupy Champions League spots in Serie A after 10 matches, but both are in need of additional firepower.

Roma have only managed to find the back of the net 10 times this season, while Milan's Santi Gimenez was absent from their recent victory over Roma due to injury.

Zirkzee has only managed to clock up 82 league minutes this season, with his playing time being limited due to the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Most of his game time was as a first-half substitute for the injured Cunha during a win over Burnley in August.

Despite United's pursuit of an equaliser against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Zirkzee remained an unused substitute. The only changes made by Amorim were the introduction of defenders Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui, with a late volley from Amad securing a point.

A move in January appears to be Zirkzee's best chance of making the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup, provided the Oranje secure the necessary results in November to confirm their place.

All parties will be hoping financial demands do not scupper a move, similar to how Sancho could not seal a permanent United exit and left on loan to Aston Villa.

Zirkzee was part of the Euro 2024 squad and played four UEFA Nations League matches in 2024 but hasn't featured for his national team since starting against Bosnia and Herzegovina nearly a year ago.

"They want to play," United boss Amorim told reporters earlier this season when discussing Zirkzee and Napoli target Kobbie Mainoo. "Like you said, there's a World Cup.

"There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time. So, I understand that but they are our players, and we need everyone to have a good season."