Manchester United are in positive discussions regarding a deal for Joshua Zirkzee and the Bologna striker could become his first summer signing.
O Dutch football international has a £34m release clause that United could trigger while they are also in talks with the former Bayern Munchen player representatives.
United are looking for another striker this summer after releasing Anthony Martial and put Zirkzee on a list that also included Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Lille’s Jonathan David.
They decided to take a chance on 23-year-old Zirkzee, who helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season when he scored 12 goals in Serie A.
Zirkzee, a late call-up to the Dutch national team, made his international debut during Euro 2024 and offers United the option of being an alternative to Rasmus Hojlund or playing in the same team as the Dane.
United are also in the market for at least one and possibly two central defenders this summer, after allowing Raphael Varane to leave when his contract expired, with Jonny Evans out of contract and with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof both tied for just one more year. .
They had a £35m bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite rejected and are reluctant to make a second offer for the England international unless the Merseyside club reduces their asking price to at least £70m.
United are also interested in Zirkzee’s Dutch teammate Matthijs de Ligt, who captained coach Erik ten Hag’s Ajax team and could be allowed to leave Bayern Munich.
United also triggered a one-year extension to manager Ten Hag’s contract. Her behind-the-scenes team is yet to be finalized, with Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy potentially joining her.
