Everton have reportedly made a last-minute bid to sign Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee on loan before the summer transfer window closes
Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee is being touted for a Transfer Deadline Day switch to Everton before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Zirkzee’s future has been a source of conjecture throughout the summer, with an exit from Old Trafford appearing the most probable outcome for several months.
Numerous clubs have been associated with swooping for Zirkzee during the window, including Fiorentina and Juventus, which would have witnessed the Netherlands international heading back to Serie A.
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Nevertheless, it appears that Zirkzee could stay within the Premier League, with Everton surfacing as a prospective landing spot.
Everton have tabled a proposal to United in a bid to secure Zirkzee on loan as they seek to bolster their attacking options with a fresh striker, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The Toffees have also been connected with landing Monaco forward Folarin Balogun in recent days, but there have been suggestions that the arrangement could be in jeopardy ahead of the deadline due to a failed medical.
Consequently, it has been indicated that Zirkzee has been earmarked by Everton as a possible fallback option for Balogun, should a deal for the ex-Arsenal striker fail to materialise.
With 90 minutes remaining before the 11pm deadline, it’s understood that United are yet to reach a verdict on whether to accept Everton’s proposal to take Zirkzee on loan.
It’s also understood that Zirkzee himself would be receptive to a switch to Everton, though it would leave United with insufficient time to bring in a replacement.
Zirkzee has found himself slipping down the hierarchy at Old Trafford over the past 12 months, especially following United’s recruitment drive last summer.
Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha all joined United last year, which led to Zirkzee receiving restricted playing time during the previous campaign and sparked speculation that an exit might be forthcoming this summer.
Zirkzee is yet to feature for United this season, having been left on the bench as an unused substitute in both of their opening Premier League fixtures against Hull City and Ipswich Town.
Carrick was questioned about the likelihood of United bringing in additional recruits after the 5-2 victory over Ipswich at the weekend.
“It’s always difficult to say, to be honest, when there’s so little time left,” Carrick said when asked if he expected to add to his squad.
“I think the situation that we’re in, I think the business that we’ve managed to do, I’m pleased with. I think we’re a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team.
“Adding Marcus [Rashford] into that feels like a new signing. So, in that respect, we’re quite happy. We’re always open to if there’s something else to be able to add, so I wouldn’t shut that down, but as it stands, we’ll have to wait and see.”