Urgency for double Man Utd deal grows as €23m twist changes everything

AS Roma and Napoli are trying to accelerate their discussions with Manchester United over January deals for Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo, respectively.

The pair had quite different experiences against Crystal Palace on Sunday. While Zirkzee scored a crucial goal – both for Man Utd and for himself – Mainoo only clocked one minute of regular time.

Despite this, the two remain in the same boat. Both have struggled for minutes and are looking to leave Old Trafford on loan in the January window to keep their hopes of participating in next year’s World Cup alive.

AS Roma remain Zirkzee’s main suitors, while Napoli still want Mainoo. Last week, reports in Italy claimed that both clubs are growing in confidence that they will be able to wrap up their respective deals.

Now, a fresh update on the situation has emerged as the two clubs faced each other on Sunday. Napoli ran out 1-0 victors to go joint-top with AC Milan, while former leaders Roma dropped down to fourth.

Italian clubs growing in urgency

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that urgency is growing in Rome to advance on deals for attacking reinforcements. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes that his current forward options are wholly inadequate for a Champions League battle, let alone a genuine title race.

He wants Roma to tie up deals for Zirkzee and unhappy Tottenham forward Mathys Tel as soon as possible. Similarly, Il Mattino claims that Napoli are in a hurry to sign Mainoo.

Although Napoli managed to beat a tame Roma, manager Antonio Conte is adamant that midfield reinforcements need to be signed as soon as the January window opens. Contact with Mainoo’s entourage has been active for weeks, and it is claimed that a loan deal is possible.

Regarding Zirkzee, an interesting update is emerging out of Switzerland, where Sky Sports is claiming that the Dutchman is far from the only name Roma are considering for the striker position.

It is asserted that Borussia Dortmund forward Fabio Silva, who is frustrated with his game time after joining for €22.5 million, is eager to experience Serie A.

The crucial detail is that Roma tried to sign him in the summer, and they have again made contact with his camp. A deal for the Portuguese could throw a spanner in the works for Zirkzee, who is keen to head back to Italy himself.

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