Zirkzee signed from Bologna for £36.5 million last July. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Wednesday update: Four clubs form race to test United’s resolve for off-limits star after Amorim and INEOS U-turn

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Isabel Ryan | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 10:12 AM ET

While the likes of Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia wait around to complete their desired moves away, Joshua Zirkzee has attracted interest from a host of clubs in recent days.

The news comes courtesy of Italian transfer journalist Nicolo Schira , who claims that four teams have approached Manchester United to gauge the feasibility of signing their No.11.

However, it’s been made clear to them that Zirkzee is off-limits this summer — despite him being linked with a premature exit in the winter transfer window.

Joshua Zirkzee will be staying put this summer

Back in January, when he had struggled to make his mark under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, reports had suggested that both Amorim and INEOS would be willing to facilitate the Dutchman’s exit either on a loan or permanent basis.

After nothing materialised, Zirkzee worked his way up the manager’s estimations with some stellar performances, and is now poised to play a prominent role in his sophomore campaign, unlike his forward counterpart Rasmus Hojlund.

The sides targeting Zirkzee haven’t been named by Schira today, although speculation coming out of Italy this week has seen the 24-year-old linked with Napoli following Romelu Lukaku’s injury layoff; Antonio Conte had established Zirkzee as the ‘leading candidate’ to replace the former Red this term, but was swiftly informed by United that there was no chance of a deal coming to fruition.

Instead, United put forward the prospect of the Serie A champions taking Hojlund off their hands.

Rasmus Hojlund on cusp of United departure

Hojlund is currently in talks with AC Milan over a potential loan switch before deadline day. Though, if it were up to him, he’d likely opt for the Naples outfit, given it would allow him to play Champions League football throughout the season.

Over the weekend, Amorim left his No.9 out of his matchday squad to face Arsenal amid growing expectations that he has played his final game in red.

This article first appeared on Stretty News and was syndicated with permission.

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