Report: Parma now frontrunners to sign Zirkzee but Everton still in hunt
Parma have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Bayern Munich striker and Everton target Joshua Zirkzee this month, according to reports.
talkSPORT covered the story earlier this week that Everton were keen on signing the 19-year old forward before the transfer deadline in a bid to boost their attacking options.
The Dutch youth international was said to be closing in on a switch to Merseyside on an initial loan deal that would have a permanent option attached to it.
However, Tuttomercato Web are now reporting that Italian outfit Parma have stolen a march in the pursuit of the young striker, with Zirkzee said to be tempted by the prospect of more regular football in Serie A.
Low-stakes option
Marcel Brands ruled out Everton’s chances of making any signings earlier this week, so speculation linking the Blues with a move for Zirkzee so soon after the Dutchman’s comments does seem far-fetched.
That said, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has shouldered plenty of the spearhead burden this season, and with the long-term futures of both Cenk Tosun and Moise Kean unclear, it stands to reason that Everton will need to find another forward option.
The injury to DCL has shown that Everton are walking a tightrope if they don’t strengthen in January.
Though Zirkzee has only made three appearances in the Bundesliga for Bayern this season, the Dutchman quickly made a name for himself as a promising star last season, scoring four in nine for the Bavarians in the league.
Should Everton want to sign a low-stakes option to bolster their strikeforce for the remainder of the season, Zirkzee could be an exciting prospect both in the club’s short-term and long-term future.
In other Everton news, Andy Burnham has sent a message about the Blues’ title chances this season.