Everton have failed in a dramatic late attempt to sign Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, with the Red Devils rejecting a loan proposal on transfer deadline day.
Everton See Joshua Zirkzee Offer Rejected by Manchester United
The Toffees submitted an offer worth approximately £10 million to take the Dutch forward on loan for the season, a package that included his wages and a loan fee.
Zirkzee himself was keen on a move to Merseyside. However, United swiftly turned down the proposal.
Manager Michael Carrick’s side felt Everton’s approach came too late in the day, leaving insufficient time to secure a replacement before the 11pm BST deadline.
Everton’s interest in Zirkzee emerged as a contingency plan after their move for United States forward Folarin Balogun hit complications.
The club had agreed a deal with Monaco for Balogun worth an initial €45 million (£38.6m) plus €5 million in potential add-ons. But when that deal appeared to be in doubt, Everton quickly pivoted to Zirkzee.
Reports suggested Everton were close to an agreement for the 25-year-old, but United’s rejection ended those hopes.
The decision to block Zirkzee’s departure makes strategic sense for United.
Although the forward has yet to feature under Carrick this season and has scored nine goals in 75 appearances for the club, allowing him to leave without a replacement would have left United dangerously light in attack.
Zirkzee had previously attracted strong loan interest from Serie A, with Fiorentina making a proposal that the player himself turned down.
Juventus also showed interest but opted for Nick Woltemade instead. Napoli were also monitoring the situation.
For Everton, the rejection leaves David Moyes’ side in a difficult position. They had sold striker Beto to Fiorentina earlier in the day, leaving Thierno Barry as their only recognised No 9.
The club remained hopeful of resurrecting the Balogun deal, seeking to renegotiate a lower fixed fee with higher bonuses, but Zirkzee now looks set to stay at Old Trafford and miss out on what would have been a dramatic late switch.
