West Ham are interested in signing Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to reports.

The Netherlands international has struggled for game time so far this season and TEAMtalk claim he is “expected to leave” Old Trafford when the transfer window reopens in January.

Zirkzee has not started for the Red Devils in any competition this campaign, having made four appearances off the bench.

The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo during the summer have dropped him down the pecking order, raising question marks about his future at the club.

Zirkzee could return to Italy or stay in England

The 24-year-old earned his reputation while playing for Bologna. In the season prior to his £36.5m move to Manchester, the forward scored 11 goals in Serie A.

For that reason, there are several Italian teams interested in securing his signature, including AC Milan, Juventus and Como.

However, TEAMtalk report that Zirkzee is not against staying in England, with both the Hammers and Everton weighing up moves for him. It is believed that agents are now exploring potential deals ahead of January, with a loan or permanent transfer both genuine possibilities.

West Ham need to strengthen their forward line

It has become abundantly clear that the Irons went into the season light on options up front. Niclas Fullkrug is now without a goal in 7 appearances this season after failing to score against Arsenal, while his backup, Callum Wilson, can’t be trusted to lead the line week in, week out, due to his fitness problems.

After allowing three strikers to leave last summer (Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Evan Ferguson), you would have thought that more resources would have been devoted to adding numbers in that position. The interest in Zirkzee does suggest that the mistake could be rectified in the New Year.

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