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Manchester United are in discussions with Fiorentina over a possible move for Joshua Zirkzee, the Press Association understands.

The 25-year-old joined Old Trafford from Bologna in 2024 after signing a five-year deal, with the club holding an option for a further year, in a transfer worth €42.5 million (£36.5m).

But Zirkzee has struggled for regular chances at United, scoring just twice in 26 appearances across all competitions last season.

Only five of those outings came as starts, leaving the striker frustrated and potentially heading for an Old Trafford departure before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Talks are continuing over a return to Serie A with Fiorentina, with a season-long loan including an option to make the switch permanent looking the most likely outcome.

Reports in Italy indicate a loan fee of about € 5million (£4.3m), with the Florence-based club seeking to cover for Moise Kean’s move to Champions League qualifiers Como.

Zirkzee has slipped down the pecking order under Michael Carrick.

Premier League side Aston Villa and Serie A club Juventus have also been linked with the Netherlands international, whose most recent of his six caps came in November 2024.

The Dutch forward has largely failed to make the desired impact at United, scoring nine goals in total during what has become an increasingly difficult spell at the club.

Even so, head coach Michael Carrick said last week that neither the striker nor any other member of the squad had asked to leave the Premier League side.

"Not to me, no," the United manager said. "I don’t know what’s going to come out. I don’t know what’s going to come at us from elsewhere.

"We can control what we can control. I’m really happy with the squad we’ve got so far, and if not, we want to improve it."

Zirkzee stayed on the bench as United were beaten 2-0 by newly promoted Hull in their Premier League opener on Saturday, and he is now behind the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in the attacking order at Old Trafford.

Carrick’s team next take on another newly promoted side, Ipswich, at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. They then face Everton before the first Manchester derby of the season on 13 September.