Man Utd ‘line up’ outrageous swap deal for world-class striker with Joshua Zirkzee set to leave

Manchester United are lining up a stunning swap deal which would see Joshua Zirkzee used as a makeweight after a disappointing start to life at Old Trafford, reports say.

Zirkzee signed for United from Bologna in the summer for a fee of £34 million and penned a five-year contract. He was brought in to give United another option in attack alongside Rasmus Hojlund and enjoyed a dream debut when he came off the bench to score a late winner against Fulham.

Yet the former Bayern Munich man has failed to score in 15 appearances since then and he has been heavily linked with an early departure after failing to adapt to the Premier League.

But while Ruben Amorim's arrival could give the Dutchman a new lease of life, reports claim that United are prepared to use him in a swap deal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

After links to both Juventus and AC Milan, Il Mattino, via Get Football News Italy, say that Serie A leaders Napoli have been offered Zirkzee's services in an arrangement that would see Osimhen head to United.

The deal United are proposing is a fee of €30 million plus Zirkzee for Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Turkish Super Lig leaders Galatasaray.

Victor Osimhen has been in fine form for Galatasaray after being loaned out by Napoli. Image: Getty

Osimhen has a reduced €75 million release clause in his Napoli deal and was close to signing for Chelsea before the transfer window shut in the summer.

He has also received strong interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli but they signed England striker Ivan Toney instead.

Osimhen looked to be left in limbo after being stripped of the No.9 shirt and removed from the Napoli squad by Antonio Conte, though Galatasaray came in and agreed a loan deal without a fee.

The Nigerian has been prolific in Istanbul, scoring eight goals in nine games in all competitions. He is believed to have a clause in his deal which allows him to leave in January if an elite club makes an offer.