Roma target Tottenham striker as Man Utd make decision on Zirkzee transfer formula

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Manchester United are open to discussing a loan deal with an option to buy for Roma target Joshua Zirkzee, but the Giallorossi have set their sights on other strikers as well, including Tottenham’s Mathys Tel.

Roma are determined to sign at least one new attacking player in the January transfer window, and Manchester United’s Zirkzee has emerged as their primary target for the January window.

The latest Gazzetta dello Sport report claims that Manchester United are ready to let Zirkzee leave on loan with an option to buy in January.

The Dutchman wants to leave Old Trafford to get more playing time and be part of the Netherlands’ World Cup squad next year, and is tempted to join the Giallorossi.

According to the report, the Red Devils want the option to buy to be set at at least €35m, the same fee Roma are required to pay to sign Evan Ferguson permanently next year.

Zirkzee currently earns €3.5m per season, and if he joins Roma in January, the Giallorossi will pay half that sum and would rediscuss his wages in the summer, if he moves to the Olimpico permanently.

According to the report, Roma’s ‘plan B’ is Franculino Djù of Midtjylland, but in this case, the request is €30m for a permanent transfer.

Tottenham’s Mathys Tel is seen as a versatile option as he can play both as a centre-forward and as a left winger.

The former Bayern Munich starlet wants to leave Spurs, even just on loan, having struggled with playing time this season and being left out of their Champions League squad.

Tel is seen as a more doable and affordable option than other targets on the wings: El Mala (Koln), valued at €45m and Yuri Alberto (Corinthians), who has a €30m price-tag. Racing’s Jeremy Arevalo, who has a €7m release clause, also remains a Roma target, according to the report.