The sensational Man United and West Ham swap transfer deal which would stun the Premier League
Man United and West Ham will both look to be active in the transfer market this January
Manchester United are on the hunt for a new manager, be it on a permanent or interim basis, and the club’s January activity may well hinge on which direction the Red Devils intend to go in the remainder of the season.
Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw at Burnley was not the desired result even if there were positives, such as a massive 30 attempts by United and a brace for struggling striker Benjamin Sesko. Currently without Bryan Mbeumo and following a short injury spell for captain Bruno Fernandes, the lack of depth of this United squad has been demonstrated in attacking areas as much as in defence.
West Ham, meanwhile, are staring relegation in the face after crushing defeats to both Wolves and Nottingham Forest within the space of a week. The Hammers have spent 14 years in the top flight and will have a major battle on their hands to avoid dropping to the second tier this term.
West Ham could reignite Joshua Zirkzee interest
As their quest for a regular goalscorer up front continues, West Ham may return for Man United striker Joshua Zirkzee. Reports by ESPN suggest that the Dutchman’s move to Roma appears to be off following Ruben Amorim’s sacking on Monday, which could open the door for the Hammers to come in for Zirkzee to join new signings Pablo and Taty Castellanos.
United could use West Ham’s historical interest in Zirkzee to leverage a major move of their own. The Red Devils would be smart to launch a stunning swoop for Jarrod Bowen, who has stood out at the London Stadium for some years now and is far too good to be playing for a side in West Ham’s current predicament.
Bowen loves West Ham and has shown loyalty to the club before but with relegation looking a real possibility, the 29-year-old may be forced to take the opportunity to depart the club while they can still get in good money for him. Reports from Football Insider and Fichajes both suggest that if the Hammers do get relegated, Bowen will be one of the first to leave.
Could Man United and West Ham launch stunning swap deal?
Zirkzee might not be a prolific goalscorer to replace the return of Bowen, but his arrival could see the Hammers switch formation to a two up front and utilise the 24-year-old’s strong link-up play to good effect.
The Netherlands international is not believed to have much of a future at Old Trafford but has made an impact off the bench in recent weeks despite this. He is reportedly valued at around £30.5 million by United, who will hope to make a return on the majority of the £36.5m outlay they made on the former Bologna forward.
West Ham are likely to value Bowen at far higher a price, considering his importance to the side and with four years left on his deal. But a player-plus-cash deal involving Zirkzee could see Man United secure one of the Premier League’s most reliable forwards in the England international, a man who is certain to set Old Trafford alight and score goals with the service of Fernandes, Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Whether this deal could go through in January is another question, but it would certainly light up the transfer window if it did.