Everton are scrambling to secure a late striker signing after a chaotic final day of the transfer window threw their attacking plans into disarray.
The Toffees had appeared to complete their business smartly by selling Beto to Fiorentina, believing they had secured a strong deal before the window closed.
Folarin Balogun looked set to arrive as a quality replacement, with the American widely regarded as a significant upgrade on the outgoing striker.
However, Balogun failed his medical in classic deadline day fashion, sending Everton back to square one with hours remaining to find a solution.
Sky Sports journalist Danyal Khan revealed that Everton have since launched a formal offer to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United before the window slams shut.
Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs has since added further momentum to the pursuit, reporting that a loan agreement between the clubs is now close.
Zirkzee has been on the fringes of Manchester United’s starting side this season, and a temporary departure from Old Trafford has long been considered a possibility.
Several Italian clubs had been circling the Dutchman, but Everton appear to have jumped ahead of the chasing pack at a crucial moment.
Zirkzee was famously compared to Ronaldinho by former manager Thiago Motta, highlighting the enormous potential that still exists within the 25-year-old forward.
Everton’s situation has been further complicated by Iliman Ndiaye’s impending exit, with a deal worth £65m agreed and Jack Grealish set to arrive in the opposite direction.
Grealish is a welcome addition, but the former Manchester City winger will do nothing to address David Moyes’ shortage of striking options at the club.
Without Zirkzee or Balogun, Moyes would be left relying on Thierno Barry and Tyrique George as his primary forward options for the foreseeable future.
Zirkzee would benefit enormously from regular Premier League football, and Everton represent the kind of fresh start his career needs right now.
The deal still needs to be finalised, but with all parties seemingly aligned, a late agreement looks increasingly likely before the deadline passes.