Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has played down the chances of West Ham transfer target Joshua Zirkzee leaving Old Trafford in January.

The 6-cap Netherlands international has not started a single game for the Red Devils so far this season but Amorim insists he wants to keep his current squad together, despite the speculation surrounding the futures of certain players:

“Zirkzee and Mainoo are our players, We need everyone to have a good season. Some players are not playing, there’s noise, news… some want to play.”

“Like you said, there’s a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time.”

West Ham have held “initial discussions” with the player

Respected journalist Matteo Moretto revealed last week that the Hammers are currently in pole position to sign Zirkzee if he does become available in the New Year.

It is believed that “initial discussions” have been held with the Dutchman’s representatives, but several other teams are likely to register their interest in the player over the coming weeks.

Zirkzee is not the only striker under consideration

If Amorim stands firm on not offloading the 24-year-old, West Ham will have to look elsewhere to strengthen their options up front.

The likes of Inter Milan’s Pio Esposito, Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino and Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli have been mentioned as other potential targets.

Some reports have even suggested that the Irons could try and bring back former Brentford striker Ivan Toney from Saudi Arabia. Whether that is a genuine possibility, it is up for debate.

The 29-year-old is on a very high salary, and his current team Al-Ahli are unlikely to sell him on the cheap, having spent £40m to secure his services last year.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here