Everton Move for Zirkzee as Balogun Deal Hits Snag
Everton have submitted a bid to Manchester United to sign forward Joshua Zirkzee on loan, according to multiple reports, as the club scrambles to secure a striker before the 11pm transfer deadline. The move appears to be a contingency plan should their proposed deal for Monaco's Folarin Balogun fall through.
GIVEMESPORT reports that Everton have agreed a €45million deal for Balogun, but complications with the player's medical have caused a delay. The outlet, citing Alan Myers, says Everton are "still working on" the Balogun deal while also making a bid for Zirkzee.
The Manchester Evening News similarly reports that Everton have made an offer to United for Zirkzee on loan, with the Toffees also linked to Balogun. As of 90 minutes before the deadline, United had yet to make a decision on the offer, and Zirkzee is said to be open to a move to Goodison Park.
Zirkzee's Situation at United
Zirkzee has yet to make an appearance for United this season, having been an unused substitute in both of their opening Premier League matches against Hull City and Ipswich Town. The Dutch international has been linked with a move away throughout the summer, with Fiorentina and Juventus among the clubs credited with an interest.
The 23-year-old's playing time has been limited following United's signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, which pushed him down the pecking order. Zirkzee has seen himself fall down the pecking order at Old Trafford over the last 12 months, particularly after United's transfer business last summer.
Carrick's Praise for Zirkzee
Manchester United manager Carrick has spoken positively about Zirkzee's attitude during pre-season. "Josh has been working incredibly hard since the players returned for pre-season, and that's the first thing that has impressed me," Carrick said earlier this summer. "Last season wasn't the easiest for him, and I don't think he was able to show the best version of himself consistently. But this pre-season we've started to see glimpses of the player we know he can become. His movement, his link-up play and his hold-up play have been excellent."
The manager's comments suggest Zirkzee remains valued at United, even as his future is the subject of deadline-day speculation.
Deadline Dynamics
The transfer window closes at 11pm, though clubs can extend the deadline if a deal sheet is agreed before that time. Everton's preferred option remains completing the Balogun transfer, which is still on the cards, but the Zirkzee loan bid provides a fallback should the medical issues prove insurmountable.