Manchester United are unlikely to let Joshua Zirkzee leave in January until their injury woes have subsided or key players have returned from the Africa Cup of Nations. Roma are eager to secure the forward’s services next month as Gian Piero Gasperini seeks to bolster his attacking arsenal. Contrary to reports from Italy over the past 24 hours, a deal is not believed to be as far along as suggested.

However, the Serie A heavyweights are keen to bring Zirkzee on board during the transfer window, either on loan or permanently. Despite this interest, United are hesitant to lose an attacking asset at a time when their squad is stretched thin, according to the Manchester Evening News. It comes after Zirkzee made a 17-minute substitute appearance against Aston Villa on Sunday.

United suffered a blow when Kobbie Mainoo sustained a calf injury in training on Saturday, and Bruno Fernandes was forced to limp off at half-time at Villa Park. Both players will be absent for the Boxing Day match against Newcastle.

While there is optimism that Mainoo could be fit for the Wolves clash, Ruben Amorim anticipates Fernandes will miss several games.

This comes as a setback, especially with Amad and Bryan Mbeumo away on international duty with the Ivory Coast and Cameroon respectively at AFCON. It leaves Amorim with only Zirkzee, Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko as true attacking options.

The availability of Amad and Mbeumo hinges on how far their respective nations progress in AFCON. Amorim, meanwhile, is set to provide an update on Fernandes’ fitness during his Christmas Eve press conference ahead of the Newcastle clash.

United are eyeing an offensive addition in January, setting their sights on Antoine Semenyo.

The Bournemouth forward has a £65million release clause in his contract, but United will have to fend off competition from Manchester City and Liverpool for his signature.

This clause is only active in the early weeks of the transfer window, so any deal should be concluded swiftly. If United manage to secure Semenyo, it could pave the way for Zirkzee to make a move to Roma.

Zirkzee, 24, has found it challenging to leave his mark at Old Trafford since joining from Bologna in July 2024. He has scored just eight goals and provided three assists in 60 appearances for the club, starting only 17 league matches.