Manchester United Close to Signing Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee: A Deal in the Making?

Manchester United is reportedly on the verge of signing Bologna’s talented striker, Joshua Zirkzee, according to a reliable source. The 23-year-old Dutch player has been a subject of interest for the Red Devils, and it seems that they are close to reaching an agreement with the Italian club.

Zirkzee’s contract has a release clause of £34 million, which is valid until August. However, Manchester United may try to negotiate a different deal. The player has already gained attention from other clubs, including AC Milan, and has been a key player for the Netherlands national team, which is preparing to face England in the Euro 2024 semifinals.

Zirkzee has had an impressive season with Bologna, scoring 12 goals and helping the team finish fifth in Serie A, securing a spot in the Champions League for the first time in the modern era. Manchester United has been searching for a new striker, and Zirkzee has emerged as their top target. The club has also considered other options, such as Lille’s Jonathan David and Brentford’s Ivan Toney, but Zirkzee seems to be their preferred choice.

Chelsea has also shown interest in David, who has one year left on his contract and is available for around £25 million. Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has taken control of recruitment, and the club’s priorities for the summer window are to sign a striker, a centre-back, and a central midfielder.

In other news, Manchester United is still in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal for Zirkzee’s international teammate, Matthijs de Ligt. The German club is willing to negotiate the defender’s exit and values him at over £40 million. United has already had a bid rejected for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.

The club is also set to sign midfielder Donny van de Beek, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt, in a permanent deal worth around £420,000. The fee could increase depending on his success at Girona.

Manchester United players who did not participate in the European Championship or the Copa América are expected to return to training on Monday. The club has also boosted its backroom staff by adding legendary striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to its Dutch contingent.

Overall, it seems that Manchester United is making progress in its transfer dealings, and Zirkzee could be the first major signing of the summer.

Historical Context:

Manchester United has a rich history of signing talented young players from around the world, often developing them into world-class stars. The club has a strong reputation for identifying and nurturing young talent, and Joshua Zirkzee’s potential signing would be a continuation of this tradition. The Red Devils have a long-standing relationship with Dutch football, having signed players like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jaap Stam, and Robin van Persie in the past.

In recent years, Manchester United has struggled to find a consistent goal-scorer, and the signing of Zirkzee could be a significant coup for the club. The Dutch striker’s impressive form for Bologna and the Netherlands national team has caught the attention of many top clubs, and Manchester United’s willingness to negotiate a deal could be a major factor in securing his signature.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Manchester United is reportedly close to signing Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, with a deal potentially worth £34 million. • Zirkzee’s contract has a release clause, but Manchester United may try to negotiate a different deal. • The 23-year-old Dutch striker has scored 12 goals for Bologna this season and has been a key player for the Netherlands national team. • Manchester United has also considered signing Lille’s Jonathan David and Brentford’s Ivan Toney, but Zirkzee is their top target. • Chelsea has also shown interest in David, who is available for around £25 million. • Manchester United’s priorities for the summer window are to sign a striker, a centre-back, and a central midfielder. • The club is still in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal for Matthijs de Ligt, with the German club valuing him at over £40 million. • Manchester United is set to sign midfielder Donny van de Beek in a permanent deal worth around £420,000. • The club has boosted its backroom staff by adding Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to its Dutch contingent. • Manchester United players who did not participate in the European Championship or the Copa América are expected to return to training on Monday.