Manchester United are in the market for a new striker this summer and the top target appears to have emerged in recent days.
Erik ten Hag is staying on as Manchester United manager and will have a chance to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.
The FA Cup final victory was a major boost but new signings will be needed in order for United to progress moving forward.
A striker is an absolute must, just a year since United splashed the cash on signing Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.
The Dane showed some promise in his first season at United but desperately needs some support.
Anthony Martial missed the second half of the campaign and that left Hojlund as United’s only recognised striker.
Manchester United close in on Joshua Zirkzee
That situation simply cannot happen again next season and United must invest in a striker in the coming weeks.
The main name in the frame right now is Joshua Zirkzee, with the Bologna forward becoming a key target.
Reports suggest that United are in discussions to sign Zirkzee and could activate his £34million release clause.
The Dutchman enjoyed a strong campaign, hitting 11 goals in 34 Serie A appearances to help Bologna qualify for the Champions League.
A former Bayern Munich talent, Zirkzee is a physical threat at 6ft 4in tall but has also impressed with his technical ability.
A potential star at 23, Zirkzee could join Hojlund in making the move from Serie A to Old Trafford – and a deal appears to be moving in the right direction.
iNews now report that United are ‘closing in’ on a deal to sign Zirkzee ahead of AC Milan.
It’s stated that United are willing to pay Zirkzee’s release clause and talks have been held with agent Kia Joorabchian over a deal.
Milan appeared to be leading the race but they are not willing to pay the £12million agent fee Joorabchian wants.
That means Milan are now backing away and look to be prioritising a move for Roma striker Tammy Abraham instead.
United are now left in charge for Zirkzee’s signature and Joorabchian would allegedly be willing to reduce his demands to make a move to Old Trafford happen.
Zirkzee waiting for Euro 2024 chance
Zirkzee’s impressive season for Bologna put him on the radar of major clubs around Europe.
That didn’t exactly help Zirkzee in terms of his international situation though as he ended the campaign without a call-up for the Netherlands.
Zirkzee has been a regular for the Netherlands from Under-15 through to Under-21 level and was added to the Dutch Euro 2024 squad in June after a couple of injury problems.
So far though, Zirkzee has yet to feature at Euro 2024 having not been called upon against Poland or France.
Zirkzee is left waiting for a chance to shine on the big stage and may feel that moving to United can help accelerate his international career.
United will be speaking to Joorabchian whilst Zirkzee attempts to focus on Euro 2024, but he may well have one eye on a potential move to Manchester.
