Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly changed course and is now reluctant to leave Manchester United, convinced his opportunities will grow once European football returns next season. The 24-year-old was previously linked with a departure, with a move back to Serie A after a productive spell at Bologna thought to be possible as he sought World Cup preparation.

That route has lost urgency. With less than three months until the World Cup and no national team call-up for 18 months — his last selection came in November 2024 — leaving to chase tournament minutes no longer holds the same appeal.

According to the Daily Mail, Zirkzee is “eager to stay” and is “determined” to remain at the club. Those statements do not guarantee his future at Old Trafford, but they underline the player’s preference to fight for a place rather than seek an exit. United are expected to prioritise transfers in other areas of the squad, which should limit extra competition for forward positions.

If the club chooses to move Zirkzee on, signing a replacement would be necessary, making any departure a decision taken by the club rather than the player.

United will complete the 2025–26 campaign having played only 40 matches, the fewest fixtures in a season for the club since 1914–15. A top-five finish in the Premier League and likely qualification for the Champions League will increase the fixture list significantly. Entry to the Champions League would add a minimum of eight matches, with progression beyond the league phase — requiring a top-24 finish — bringing at least one knockout tie.

Further progress in domestic cups would increase those demands. Additional rounds in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup could add a further five or six matches, creating a clear need for greater squad depth. A player who performed well in Italy could be well suited to the European schedule.

Perhaps reflecting that belief, Zirkzee has also expressed his strong feelings for Old Trafford, which he says doesn’t compare to any other stadium.

Manchester United are preparing an ambitious approach to Real Madrid with interest in both Eduardo Camavinga and Nico Paz after Madrid triggered the buy-back clause for the latter. A double bid worth $138.2 million (€120 million, £104.1 million) is reported to be in the works.

Liverpool face a pressing defensive issue as they seek a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk. Nottingham Forest’s Murillo is the club’s top choice and a bid of around €92 million (€80 million, £69.4 million) is being readied.

Manchester City are pursuing a major midfield overhaul, targeting Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali. To sweeten a potential move for Tonali, City are prepared to offer goalkeeper James Trafford, right back Issa Kabore or centre back Juma Bah in exchange.

Aston Villa, Man City and Manchester United have all contacted Barcelona to explore a move for left back Alejandro Balde. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Ferdi Kadıoğlu has also been added to Manchester United’s left-back shortlist.

In other defensive developments, Roma centre back Evan Ndicka remains of wide interest beyond Barcelona, with Liverpool and Tottenham also showing intent; he is likely to be available for around $52 million (€45 million).

Newcastle have emerged as the strongest suitors for Inter striker Marcus Thuram, who has been priced at $75 million (€65 million, £56.4 million).

Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong is reportedly frustrated by limited minutes. Bayern Munich have expressed interest, and Premier League clubs including Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are monitoring the teenager.

Across Europe and MLS, there are additional movements: Casemiro has received approaches from Inter Miami and the Los Angeles Galaxy as he prepares to leave Manchester United on a free transfer. Barcelona and Real Madrid are evaluating young options after Rodrygo’s ACL injury disrupted Madrid’s plans; they had considered selling Rodrygo for around $69 million (€60 million) and replacing him by re-signing Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna for approximately $10 million (€9 million). Muñoz is also on Barcelona’s radar, though Madrid’s buy-back clause complicates any deal.

Ferran Torres is reportedly looking for a house in Madrid as he expects to join Atlético this summer, while Paris Saint-Germain have no interest in entertaining a departure for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia despite Arsenal interest.

Manchester United are being tipped to make a formal approach for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali at the end of the season after interest in the Italian gathered momentum. The dramatic winter Deadline Day link with Arsenal was denied by the player’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, who nevertheless suggested a move could happen later. “These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends and then decide what to do.”

Newcastle’s possible failure to qualify for the Champions League and the risk of having no European competition in 2026–27 are cited as factors that might prompt Tonali to consider his future. The Daily Mail’s Newcastle reporter, Craig Hope, writes that Manchester United are “moving to the front of the queue” based on what has happened behind closed doors this week. Hope adds that United now view Tonali as the “main target” in midfield, with Elliot Anderson increasingly expected to join Manchester City instead. The report also places doubt on previously rumoured United interest in Bruno Guimãraes. Bruno Fernandes is said to be supportive of the pursuit.

Newcastle retain negotiating strength. Tonali signed a contract extension during his betting ban that leaves him with another three years, plus the option of a fourth, on his current terms. There is no risk of looming free agency, giving the Magpies licence to demand substantial compensation and to sell on their terms. Anderson is being talked about as a nine-figure prospect, and Newcastle’s desire for profit on their $76.3 million deal for Tonali in 2023 is likely to keep the asking price high. The current club-record mark at Old Trafford is $116.6 million (£89 million), the fee for Paul Pogba from Juventus in 2016.

Newcastle will have learned from the drawn-out Alexander Isak saga last summer, and the club’s sporting hierarchy is now in a better position after appointing David Hopkinson and Ross Wilson. If a move is completed, the 25-year-old’s box-to-box skillset and all-action energy, described as essentially a younger Casemiro, could complement Kobbie Mainoo as a deep-lying playmaker with Fernandes ahead of them.