Mansion Sports – Roma have reportedly opened official talks with Manchester United regarding their attempt to sign Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window.

The Giallorossi are planning to end Evan Ferguson’s loan spell, with the Brighton forward having managed to score only one goal in 14 competitive appearances since joining the Serie A club in the summer.

With the January transfer window approaching, Roma are determined to correct their summer recruitment mistakes.

The attacking department of the capital club has shown a decline in performance during the first half of the season despite generally positive results, prompting sporting director Frederic Massara to take decisive action.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, he has already made direct contact with the management at Old Trafford to discuss the possibility of bringing Zirkzee back to Serie A.

The Dutch striker, who earned a high-value move to United following his breakout season with Bologna, has struggled to adapt to the Premier League.

Often used as a substitute or even left out entirely, Zirkzee is reportedly open to returning to Italy, where his reputation remains strong.

Roma Target a Loan Deal for the Dutch Forward

According to Gazzetta, Massara has received approval from the Friedkin Group to pursue the deal.

The sporting director is said to be planning a brief visit to England, using Roma’s upcoming Europa League trip to face Celtic as a logistical opportunity to finalise discussions with United.

Negotiations are expected to be challenging. United are seeking to protect their investment and prefer a permanent sale or a loan with an obligation to buy.

Roma, operating under financial fair play restrictions, have proposed a loan with an option to buy, likely around 35 million euros, which could become an obligation if certain conditions are met.

However, the player’s desire may prove decisive. Zirkzee is reportedly very keen on the move, and his profile is considered a tactical fit for Gian Piero Gasperini’s system.

Unlike a traditional striker, Zirkzee’s ability to drop deep, link play, and orchestrate attacks mirrors roles Gasperini has successfully assigned to forwards at Atalanta.

Ferguson Will Be Sent Back to Brighton

The need to bring in Zirkzee arises directly from Ferguson’s shortcomings. The Irish striker arrived on loan from Brighton in the summer with high expectations as a goalscorer who could push Roma back into the top four. However, his loan spell has become a difficult period.

Ferguson has featured in 14 matches across all competitions and has scored only once, against Cremonese last month.

His performances have been described by Italian media as nearly invisible, with the player struggling to adapt to the physicality and tactical demands of Serie A.

Reports indicate that the upcoming Serie A match against Como will be his final opportunity, but the decision appears to have already been made.

Roma are preparing to end his loan in January, sending him back to Brighton early to free up squad space and wage budget to register Zirkzee.
This decision marks a bitter conclusion to what was initially intended as a developmental step for the young forward, but Roma’s league position leaves no room for tolerance.

Tel, Raspadori, and Silva Listed as Alternative Options

Although Zirkzee is the primary target, Massara has prepared alternative plans should negotiations with United prove unsuccessful.

According to reports, Roma have identified Mathys Tel as a viable alternative. The former Bayern Munich youngster has also suffered from a lack of playing time since moving to Tottenham in the summer and could be available for a loan. The French forward offers speed and versatility, two qualities appreciated by Roma’s scouting team.

Additionally, domestic options are being considered. Giacomo Raspadori is a player Gasperini has admired for years, although signing him would be difficult given that he only recently left Napoli to join Atletico Madrid.

Lastly, Fabio Silva remains on the list as a surprise option, considering his struggles since moving from Wolves to Borussia Dortmund in the summer.