Everton are eyeing a surprise move for out-of-favour Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, journalist Dean Jones has revealed.
The Toffees are reportedly keeping tabs on the Dutch international’s situation at Old Trafford, with Zirkzee weighing up his options amid a difficult start to the season under Ruben Amorim.
The former Bologna striker has played just 82 minutes of football across his four appearances for United this term, making zero starts and registering no goal contributions.
Zirkzee’s playing time diminished following the summer arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, while the likes of Mason Mount and Amad Diallo also appear to be ahead in the pecking order.
Jones claims Zirkzee was expected to leave Man United during the summer along with Rasmus Hojlund, who joined Napoli on loan, and is attracting interest again, with several Premier League and Serie A sides monitoring him.
Everton Eyeing Move for Joshua Zirkzee
According to Jones, Italian side Como are among the clubs monitoring Zirkzee, as well as Premier League outfits Everton and West Ham United.
Zirkzee has reportedly not ruled out staying in England if he leaves Man United, with Everton potentially entering the market in January as they are expected to seek attacking reinforcements.
The striker is likely to consider both permanent and temporary moves ahead of the market reopening and believes he has what it takes to succeed in the Premier League, despite a difficult first season at Old Trafford.
The ‘elite’ 24-year-old scored seven goals and provided three assists in 49 appearances for United last term, with five goal contributions coming in the Premier League.
He was forced to miss the final month of the season due to a thigh injury and has yet to start for United since the 4-1 defeat at Newcastle on 13 April.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Zirkzee scored 14 goals in 58 appearances for Bologna.
Everton’s summer transfer business saw the club spend over £110m on new arrivals, with Thierno Barry, Jack Grealish, Tyler Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall among the notable additions.
The Toffees have climbed to 10th in the Premier League following their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, which ended the south London club’s 18-game unbeaten run.