Man Utd flop Joshua Zirkzee offered Premier League lifeline as transfer request emerges

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is ready to hand Joshua Zirkzee a World Cup lifeline as he looks to bolster his ailing attack.

The Dutch striker will ask to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window. The £34million signing from Bologna in August 2024 has fallen down the pecking order and has been a huge flop.

The 24-year-old scored just seven times in 49 games last season, and has made just four appearances so far this term. United boss Ruben Amorim has decided Zirkzee will not be part of his long term plans with summer signings Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha both ahead of him in attack, while Amorim also likes Mason Mount in his team, which pushes Zirkzee further down the pecking order.

• Arsenal injury latest as five could miss Crystal Palace after Gabriel blow
• Trossard and Calafiori start, Arteta backs Eze decision - Arsenal predicted XI vs Crystal Palace

Zirkzee is desperate to be included in the Netherlands squad for next summer's World Cup, and knows he has to be playing regularly to stand a chance of getting picked.

And he may be able to get that with the struggling Hammers, who were again beaten on Friday night, losing 2-1 at Leeds.

Nuno again started without a recognised No.9 - as he did in Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Brentford - with Niklas Fullkrug out injured. Nuno was forced to bring on ex-Newcastle and England striker Callum Wilson during the first half at Elland Road, but doesn’t appear to be a fan of the veteran summer arrival.

Zirkzee will have other offers however, with Sevilla keeping close tabs on his arrival.

New boss Matias Almeyda is in the process of overhauling his squad, and is desperate to add more firepower to his attacking options.

And Almeyda reckons Zirkzee's game is more suited to La Liga.