Manchester United face a decision over a possible Joshua Zirkzee transfer after Aston Villa enquired about the striker, with Ollie Watkins’ uncertain future increasing the potential significance of their interest.
Villa contacted United to establish the conditions of a possible deal, according to Fabrizio Romano. However, there is no indication that an offer has been submitted or that United have agreed to let the Netherlands international leave.
The enquiry first emerged before Villa’s opening Premier League match, but their 4-0 defeat against Brighton has since given the situation additional relevance.
Joshua Zirkzee transfer interest grows after Watkins absence
Unai Emery was forced to deploy Emiliano Buendía as an emergency striker on Sunday after Watkins was left out, while Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo were unavailable through injury.
The Guardian reported that Watkins is considering a move to Al-Hilal, although Villa have rejected multiple offers for the England international.
That situation could increase Villa’s need for attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
However, Sports Illustrated reports that Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson remains Villa’s preferred option. Zirkzee is therefore understood to represent an alternative rather than the immediate priority.
Michael Carrick faces his own Manchester United striker decision
United cannot assess a Joshua Zirkzee transfer purely from Villa’s perspective.
Michael Carrick started Matheus Cunha through the middle during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Hull City, with Zirkzee remaining an unused substitute despite United struggling to create clear opportunities.
Benjamin Sesko appeared from the bench, but the striker is still rebuilding his fitness after a disrupted pre-season. As ReadManUtd reported in its latest Ipswich injury update, Sesko should be available for a greater role next weekend if he completes another full week of training.
That leaves Carrick with an awkward decision. Selling Zirkzee could provide additional transfer funds, but allowing him to leave without a replacement would reduce United’s attacking depth.
Gary Neville has already identified further areas United need to strengthen, underlining the competing demands facing the club before the window shuts.
For now, Villa’s contact amounts to an enquiry rather than advanced negotiations. Any serious movement would depend on Watkins’ situation, Villa’s pursuit of Jackson and whether United are prepared to sanction Zirkzee’s departure.
