West Ham United and Leeds United are set for a tense January transfer battle, with both clubs making enquiries for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee. The two sides, currently locked in a Premier League relegation scrap, are desperate to add firepower to their survival bids.
Relegation Rivals Eye Same Target
The fierce competition extends off the pitch, as the Hammers and the Whites find themselves in almost identical situations. Leeds sit 17th in the table, just one place and three points above 18th-placed West Ham. Their rivalry will reach a climax on the final day of the season when they meet at the London Stadium, a match that could decide their top-flight fates. Leeds already claimed a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture at Elland Road earlier this season.
Both clubs attempted to solve their striker issues in the summer with free transfers for experienced Premier League forwards. West Ham brought in Callum Wilson, while Leeds secured Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has hit a rich vein of form recently. Despite these moves, the need for additional attacking quality remains a priority for January.
Zirkzee Faces Crucial Career Decision
The primary target for both clubs is Manchester United's 24-year-old forward, Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman has struggled to secure a regular starting spot at Old Trafford, leading to persistent speculation about his future. While Serie A side AS Roma have reportedly held talks with United, West Ham and Leeds have now formally registered their interest with enquiries.
However, a significant hurdle exists for the English suitors. It is understood that Zirkzee is not particularly keen on joining a relegation battle at either the London Stadium or Elland Road. A move to Italy with Roma is considered a more appealing prospect for the striker at this stage of his career.
Amorim Maintains Faith in Striker
Despite his bit-part role, Zirkzee retains the backing of Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. After the striker played the full 90 minutes and scored in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, Amorim praised his contribution.
"It's so important for the strikers to score goals," Amorim said. "He's not playing many minutes but the way he responds in the second-half is so important. It is more important than just the goals. Again, the small details, win the first ball so we can win the second ball, the connection, that is so important for our game. And the goal is really important for us and for him."
This public support highlights Zirkzee's value to the United squad, potentially complicating any potential departure. For West Ham and Leeds, their January plans now hinge on convincing both the player and his club that a mid-season switch is the right move, all while trying to outmanoeuvre each other and foreign competition in a high-stakes window.
