The Sun reports Juventus had appeared close to re-signing Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain following his unsuccessful loan at Tottenham last season, but negotiations stalled over a fee, with the Bianconeri unwilling to meet PSG's valuation.
Frustrated by the pace of those talks, Juventus pivoted quickly to Zirkzee, whose representatives are understood to have given the move their approval. AS Roma and newly promoted Como have also held a long-standing interest in the Dutchman, but Juventus have moved fastest and are considered favourites to land him.
Zirkzee has started just five Premier League matches under Rúben Amorim and Michael Carrick since his £36.5 million move from Bologna in 2024, managing only nine goals in 75 appearances for the club. Manchester United are willing to sanction a loan exit with a buy option roughly £6.5 million below what they paid for him, reflecting how far his value has fallen after two underwhelming seasons in England.
United's pre-season has otherwise been notable for the emergence of academy graduates, with 19-year-old right-back Jaydan Kamason the standout performer in Friday's 5-0 win over Rosenborg in Trondheim.
Introduced at half-time, Kamason set up both of United's second-half goals with a pair of driven low crosses, teeing up Harry Amass and Ethan Williams, and was one of several youngsters Carrick chose to keep on the pitch as the game wore on.
"Good, thank you," Kamason said when asked how he felt after the performance. "It was good to get the assists, obviously, but just good to play for minutes and fitness. I could have been sharper at times, but I'm happy with the two assists."
He added that two injuries had disrupted an otherwise promising 2024-25 campaign: "Last season, I unfortunately had two injuries, but hopefully this season will be more positive. I'm just trying to stay fit now and show my ability on the pitch."
Asked whether he was targeting a first-team breakthrough, Kamason said he was determined to reach the top level at Old Trafford, even if that meant loan spells along the way. He also credited Travis Binnion, promoted from the under-21s to Carrick's backroom staff in January, with easing his path into senior contention.
"He's a great link between the academy and the first team, so it is good to have him around, and hopefully he can continue to help me," he said.