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David Ornstein has suggested that West Ham United may be better placed than Roma in the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee, despite insisting that no deal is close ahead of the January transfer window.
Speaking to NBC Sport, the well-connected reporter said Manchester United have made little progress in contract talks with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, whose current deal runs until 2027 with an option for a further year. Ornstein added that any potential departure would force United to find a replacement.
While he previously described West Ham’s chances of landing Zirkzee as “pretty remote”, Ornstein now appears more open to the prospect. He also dismissed reports in Italy linking the Bayern Munich graduate with Roma.
“There’s still a lot of time until the January window opens,” Ornstein said. “We cannot say anything with certainty. There’s no concrete news. I think West Ham have shown an interest in Zirkzee. Reports say Roma too, but from what I hear, that’s not necessarily the case.”
West Ham weighing up striker options
Zirkzee has scored just three goals in 37 Premier League appearances, and West Ham’s recent struggles with misfiring forwards — including the out-of-form Niclas Füllkrug — have raised doubts over whether the Dutchman would be the right fit.
By contrast, Ivan Toney is seen by many as a far more reliable option. The England international, now at Al-Ahli, is determined to force his way into contention for the 2026 World Cup after missing out on Gareth Southgate’s squad in 2022.
Toney’s ambitions could boost West Ham’s hopes, with playing time in the Premier League viewed as essential to reviving his international prospects.
World Cup pressure influencing January decisions
Zirkzee is in a similar position. With limited opportunities at Old Trafford, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the striker’s frustrations as he battles to stay in the frame for the Netherlands’ World Cup plans.
“I understand the frustration of some players, seeing the World Cup is there,” Amorim said. “But the club comes first. If I can help the club and the players, I will be happy. If not, I have to think about the team.”
As January approaches, both Toney and Zirkzee face critical decisions that could shape their international futures — and West Ham may yet play a central role in the unfolding story.
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