Unexpected Premier League team show interest in Joshua Zirkzee as Man Utd future takes another twist

Joshua Zirkzee's future has taken a surprise twist, with reports that an unexpected Premier League side are interested in the Manchester United forward.

Zirkzee joined United from Bologna in the summer and took the No.11 shirt after penning a five-year contract. The Red Devils paid £34 million for Zirkzee's services and it was hoped that he would give them another option in attack.

He enjoyed a dream start by scoring on his debut against Fulham, coming off the bench to net the winner in United's first game of the season.

But the Netherlands international has failed to find the net in 15 appearances since then and has been linked with an early exit after failing to impress.

Zirkzee has been tipped to make swift return back to Italy, with Juventus, AC Milan and Napoli said to be keen - with the latter reportedly discussing a potential swap deal involving Victor Osimhen.

According to Caught Offside, Ruben Amorim has already made up his mind on Zirkzee and is actively trying to help him secure a move away from United. While his preference would be to head back to Italy, Amorim's former club Sporting CP are believed to have expressed interest over a possible January move and there was even a suggestion that United could try to use him as a makeweight in a pursuit of the in-demand Victor Gyokeres.

Joshua Zirkzee has been heavily linked with an exit from Manchester United. Image: Getty

But interestingly, Zirkzee could receive an opportunity to remain in England as Aston Villa are the latest side to throw "their hat into the ring" for the former Bayern Munich man's signature.

After a recent blip, Villa are currently eighth in the Premier League, three points off the top four after 12 games. However the west Midlands side are well-stocked for strikers, with both Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran the key options up top for Unai Emery's side.