Everton to green-light Joshua Zirkzee deal as Friedkins agree £25m loan-to-buy deal

Joshua Zirkzee can now make a January switch from Manchester United to Everton.

Zirkzee has been linked to Everton many times in recent months as the Toffees look to bolster their attacking options this winter.

There have been struggles for Beto and Thierno Barry at Everton this season, so reinforcements appear to be on David Moyes’ shopping list.

Callum Wilson has emerged as a target for Everton, but attention could now turn after an agreement was reached away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Friedkin Group have worked to make a loan move happen that could see Zirkzee now link up with the Merseyside outfit in January.

Everton Joshua Zirkzee stat at Manchester United
Credit: Imago

Everton interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee

Zirkzee has been linked to Everton and Roma this winter, but it looks as if the Blues could win the race for the Netherlands international.

The forward has struggled for minutes at Manchester United this season, something which Moyes could offer across the second half of the season.

Zirkzee moved to Old Trafford from Bologna in 2024 and put up some positive numbers despite his opportunities being limited by Ruben Amorim.

Joshua Zirkzee stats graphic
Zirkzee stats in all competitions last season.

His nine goal involvements across his debut season in the Premier League are a positive record which seems to have piqued Moyes’ interest in L4.

Gazzetta Dello Sport reported on 26 November that Roma were edging closer to a deal, but a move to Merseyside looks more likely over a month later.

Roma set to sign Donyell Malen instead of Zirkzee

The Serie A outfit certainly had attacking signings in mind when moving into the winter window and look set to land one in the shape of Donyell Malen.

It appears that Roma have chosen to move for the Aston Villa man ahead of Zirkzee, with a move now agreed by the Friedkins and Co.

The Romans will pay an initial £2million loan fee for the Dutchman, with a £25m buy option that is likely to come mandatory for the summer.

Malen has now flown to Italy to complete a deal, something which may be music to the ears of the Everton hierarchy.

It appears that their main competition to sign Zirkzee is off the table, so the Friedkins could turn attention to bringing a target to L4 in the coming weeks.

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