Fiorentina have opened talks with Manchester United over an initial loan move for Joshua Zirkzee, with the Netherlands international allowed to leave Old Trafford this summer.
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.
Softfootball understands negotiations are taking place over a deal that would see Zirkzee join Fiorentina on loan until the end of the season, with an option to make the transfer permanent next summer.
An agreement is not close yet, but there is optimism that the parties can reach a solution before the 1 September transfer deadline.
Zirkzee has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, particularly in Italy, where he previously impressed with Bologna. Manchester United signed him from Bologna for £36.5 million in 2024, but he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
The 25-year-old has made 75 appearances for United but started only 27, including just five Premier League games last season. He has scored nine goals in all competitions for the club.
Zirkzee was previously linked with Roma, but United blocked the Serie A club’s attempts to sign him in January.
He is now viewed as the most likely senior player to leave Michael Carrick’s squad, with Fiorentina emerging as the latest option.
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.
The Italian club’s proposal could give Zirkzee an opportunity to revive his career in Serie A, while United would have the chance to move on a player who has struggled for consistent minutes at Old Trafford.
