Fiorentina in talks with Manchester United for Joshua Zirkzee loan

Fiorentina are in talks with Manchester United over an initial loan move for forward Joshua Zirkzee.

The Netherlands international can leave Old Trafford this summer and has attracted interest from across Europe.

Talks are taking place between Fiorentina and United over what would be a loan until the end of the season with an option to potentially make the transfer permanent next summer.

Zirkzee, who has three years remaining on his contract, is open to move to the Serie A club.

An agreement is not described as close at this stage but there is optimism that a deal can be reached before transfer deadline on 1 September.

Zirkzee joined United from Bologna for £36.5m in 2024 having won Serie A's Under-23 player of the season for 2023-24, and scored on his debut in a 1-0 win over Fulham .

But he has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular making just 27 starts among 75 appearances during his two season at the club.

The 25-year-old, who made just five Premier League starts in 2025-26, has scored nine goals in all competitions for United.

Zirkzee exit could help left-back situation

Zirkzee has been viewed as the most likely senior player out of Michael Carrick's squad to leave Old Trafford.

The Dutch forward has been linked with a number of Italian clubs this summer and in the opening Premier League game at Hull, remained on the bench throughout as Carrick preferred to bring on 19-year-old Shea Lacey in his attempt to get back into the game.

The details around any deal will be key as United are still assessing the left-back situation.

The feeling at the start of the week was that with Carlos Baleba costing up to £70m, United may opt not to bring in someone to compete with Luke Shaw and prefer instead to either switch Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui from the right flank, or use the left-footed Baleba in a full-back role.

United do like Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, but would only pursue that avenue if the Spain international was available on loan. Currently, Barcelona are adamant they will only sell the 22-year-old.

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