Everton are closing in on a last-gasp loan deal for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee after their primary transfer target, Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, failed a medical on deadline day.

The Toffees had been on the verge of finalising a move for Balogun to lead their attack, but talks broke down after club medical staff identified concerns during his screening tests, leading the club hierarchy to abandon the deal rather than commit significant resources to a signing with potential underlying risks.

Everton pivot to Zirkzee

With the transfer window approaching its 11pm close, Everton moved swiftly to identify an alternative. According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the club made direct contact with Manchester United to negotiate a loan move for the 25-year-old Dutch forward.

Zirkzee has been a marginalised figure at Old Trafford for months, failing to register a single minute of action in Manchester United's opening two Premier League fixtures of the 2026/27 season. His last competitive goal for the club came in a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of 2025, and he has been unable to establish any consistent role in the side since.

His standing at Old Trafford fell further following last summer's arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, and manager Michael Carrick has made clear through his selections that Zirkzee has no place in his long-term plans.

A solution for both clubs

For Everton, the move represents a rescue mission after the collapse of the Balogun deal. Although Zirkzee arrives as a fallback option rather than the club's first choice, his arrival addresses a genuine need for attacking cover following Iliman Ndiaye's departure to Manchester City.

For Zirkzee, a loan move to Everton offers the prospect of regular playing time and a chance to rebuild his career after a difficult spell on the sidelines at Old Trafford.