Man Utd 'in talks' over first Ruben Amorim signing as new boss 'decides' January exit

Incoming head coach has already decided to offload Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window, according to reports. The Sporting boss is claimed to be unconvinced by Zirkzee and wants to sign a replacement just six months after he joined in a £36.5million deal.

The 23-year-old became the first signing of the era when he joined from Bologna in mid-July, adding to attacking ranks.

He launched his United career in dream fashion, coming off the bench to score a late winner against on the opening weekend.

However, Zirkzee has flopped since, failing to add to his tally in the 14 matches that followed and losing his starting status to Rasmus Hojlund.

Earlier this week, The Sun that Ten Hag didn't even want to recruit Zirkzee, who was more of a target among United's new football hierarchy.

The outlet also alleged that the Netherlands international arrived at Old Trafford overweight, and Ten Hag grew increasingly dismayed at his struggles to become more lightweight.

According to , Amorim is also unconvinced by Zirkzee and has green-lit an immediate exit this winter.

Discussions are said to have already commenced over sanctioning a January exit, with a Serie A return emerging as the stumbling striker's preferred option.

United's reported willingness to offload Zirkzee has been touted as an opportunity in the market for AC Milan - who missed out on his signature this summer - and Juventus.

The Red Devils No. 11 could depart on loan if no suitable offers arrive midway through the season.

The report adds that Amorim wants to rely on players who suit his philosophy, and Zirkzee doesn't fit his desired striker profile for his intricate 3-4-3 system.

Therefore, it's claimed that Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres has been the subject of talks at United, potentially as a replacement for Zirkzee.

Gyokeres has established his status as one of the world's most prolific strikers since leaving Coventry City for Sporting last summer.

The 26-year-old Swede has now netted 66 times in 67 appearances for the Lisbon giants following his hat-trick in Tuesday's 4-1 Champions League mauling of Manchester City.

After full-time at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, Gyokeres, who is expected to seek a new challenge at the end of the season, wished Amorim well.

He said: "We will miss him a lot. We've done amazing things together.

"We will miss him and the other guys in the staff who will leave. We have to look forward and attack the next challenge ahead of us."