Man Utd approve transfer with £36.5m Erik ten Hag signing set to leave

Joshua Zirkzee is in talks to join Juventus (Getty)

Manchester United have approved Joshua Zirkzee ’s loan move to Juventus , according to reports in Italy .

Zirkzee was a £36.5 million signing from Bologna during Erik ten Hag’s reign in 2024 but the Netherlands international has scored just nine goals in 75 appearances across two seasons.

Juventus have already held talks with United over a deal for Zirkzee this summer but have been unable to reach an agreement so far.

However, Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Friday that a breakthrough has now been reached as United have given their approval to Juventus over a loan deal for the upcoming season.

The report adds that Zirkzee’s loan move will hinge on the inclusion of a purchase option as part of the deal with United, but Juve’s hierarchy are growing optimistic that an agreement will be reached.

Juventus are aiming to secure a loan without a mandatory purchase option but United would prefer a permanent sale for the 25-year-old next year.

Joshua Zirkzee has scored just nine goals in 75 appearances for Manchester United (Getty)

The Serie A club are in Perth for their pre-season tour, while Zirkzee has been included in United’s squad for their friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on Saturday.

Speaking ahead of his side’s friendly against Inter this weekend, Juve head coach, Luciano Spalletti, insisted that he does not need a prolific striker in his squad.

‘It’s an empty space if we have to draw a pitch. But we can fill this gap,’ Spalletti said.

‘It’s not important to have just one striker who can score 20 goals per season. I’m sure that overall, the players we want can surpass the 20-goal mark.

‘We play on Sundays and Thursdays, it’s better to have multiple players who can provide us with goals so we can rotate them between games.

‘We also have [Jeff] Ekhator who can fill the penalty area. We’re pretty comfortable.’