Fabrizio Romano has reported that AS Roma have made a formal offer to Manchester United to sign Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window.

The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist has claimed that Roma, who are aiming to win the Serie A title this season, have offered to sign the Netherlands international forward on a loan deal with an obligation to make it permanent next summer.

Romano said on his Italian-language YouTube channel: “Manchester United have confirmed that they have received an official offer from Roma for Joshua Zirkzee.

“It is a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy, and Manchester United have confirmed, through intermediaries, that they have received this proposal from Roma.

“Manchester United, as I told you in the days before Christmas, are taking their time.

Zirkzee has made three starts and eight substitute appearances in the Premier League for Man Utd so far this season, scoring one goal in the process.