West Ham United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Manchester United outcast Joshua Zirkzee, who is set to leave in January.

Joshua Zirkzee’s future remains one of the biggest talking points as his big-money move to Old Trafford hasn’t really worked out. With him struggling for prominence under Ruben Amorim, the Dutch international is expected to push for an exit in the winter window.

Zirkzee set to leave Manchester United

Following the arrival of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo in the summer, the 24-year-old has gone further down the pecking order at United. According to CaughtOffside, Zirkzee is almost certain to leave the club mid-season.

With the World Cup fast approaching, the former Bologna sensation, who joined United in a £43 million deal, is keen on playing regularly. Having had just 90 minutes of first-team action across his five outings this season, Zirkzee isn’t pleased with his importance in the team.

He is ready to leave Old Trafford, even if it means a temporary move away in the upcoming winter window. West Ham United have emerged as a potential destination for the 24-year-old, who could secure a permanent exit if an interested club tables around €35-40 million.

West Ham move unlikely

However, a report from TEAMtalk suggests the Hammers are unlikely to get their hands on the Dutch forward. He is keen on making sure he finds a club where he can have the kind of role he wants.

Zirkzee isn’t an out-and-out goal scorer, and he wants to have a similar role to the one he had at Bologna. He wants to play behind a striker or as a false nine. His profile certainly raises questions about a potential move to the London club.

The Hammers want a new number nine; they are looking for a prominent goal scorer, and Zirkzee isn’t an ideal fit. Since he isn’t a prominent goalscorer, a move to Nuno Espirito Santo’s team may not suit him or the club.

At the moment, he looks set for a loan move away, and it will be interesting to see which club ends up winning the race for him. With his contract running until 2029, United will surely have the upper hand in any potential negotiations.