Everton bids for striker Joshua Zirkzee on transfer deadline day

Everton have submitted a bid for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee as the transfer window ticks toward its close on September 1. The move represents a late twist in what has been a protracted saga surrounding the Dutch forward’s future at Old Trafford. Zirkzee, 25, joined United from Bologna for £36.5 million in July 2024 and has managed nine goals in 75 appearances across two seasons. Those numbers tell the story of a player who never quite cemented his place, featuring sporadically under manager Michael Carrick rather than establishing himself as the focal point of United’s attack. A long history of interest Everton’s interest in Zirkzee is not a deadline-day impulse buy. The club, managed by David Moyes, has tracked the forward since his youth days, with the connection stretching back to a noteworthy trial at Goodison Park in 2017. The Toffees were also linked with a move for the striker as recently as January 2026. Italian competition looms large Everton’s bid faces a significant obstacle in the form of Juventus. The Turin club is reportedly in advanced negotiations with United over a deal that would see Zirkzee return to Italy on loan, with an initial fee of around £2.1...