Manchester United hope to soon be welcoming the first signing of the Ineos era at Old Trafford.
After a quiet January in which departures rather than arrivals were the order of the day and after Everton turned down the Red Devils’ opening offer for Jarrad Branthwaite, a long awaited breakthrough could be on the cards at last.
And the identity of the man who becomes the first through the door at Old Trafford since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control at Old Trafford looks increasingly likely to be not Branthwaite but instead Joshua Zirkzee.
As Manchester United and Everton remain poles apart in their discussions over the England international centre-half, the Premier League rivals will run into no such issues regarding Zirkzee; a £34 million release clause in his contract and Bologna powerless to prevent their prized asset from leaving.
The iNews reports that Man United are now frontrunners for the elegant Dutchman’s signature.
Contact has been made with agent Kia Joorabchian, who’s hardline stance has led to tensions in discussions with AC Milan and has thus put United in pole position instead.
Manchester United close in on Joshua Zirkzee
Interestingly, Milan now appear to turned to alternative options. There is interest in Augsburg’s Ermedin Demirovic and former Red Devil Memphis Depay, per Gianluca di Marzio. Zirkzee’s compatriot is a free agent after his Atletico Madrid contract ran out.
The iNews add that Roma’s Tammy Abraham has also been offered to the Rossoneri.
But how do the Bologna camp feel about Zirkzee’s likely exit? Fellow forward Santiago Castro may have mixed feelings, a huge admirer of his team-mate but one who could step into the breach should United get their man.
“A player who surprises me every day is Zirkzee,” Castro tells Radio 670 Velez on duty for the Argentina Under 23 side. “He is truly complete. He plays, he has strength, and he’s humble. Joshua and I talk a lot, and I’m happy with his rise.”
Interestingly, in what could be another boost to United’s confidence, Castro insists that the there is nothing agreed between Zirkzee and seven-time European champions Milan.
“Zirkzee to Milan is not finished,” the 19-year-old attacker explains. “If Bologna signs another striker, they will have to continue working to earn their place.”
Zirkzee, while not the most prolific forward in the game, could be one who helps take Man United to another level. A viable alternative to the crash and bang nature of Rasmus Hojlund, Zirkzee’s excellent vision and link-up play could be the key to getting even more out of Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
Comparisons have been drawn with Robin van Persie, Dimitar Berbatov and Zlatan Ibrahimovic too due to Zirkzee’s supreme technical ability and his willingness to drop deep and allow runners to go beyond.
Bologna striker likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic
“When he came to us, it was a special moment,” Simeone Iacoponi, who played with Zirkzee at Parma a few years back, tells Milan News. “It was his first experience in the Italian league and initially he had some more difficulties. But it was evident that he had important qualities.
“Technically and physically, he was a player of the highest level. At Bologna, he found his dimension, more than anything thanks to the trust of the team and the coach. The qualities that were seen in Parma came to the fore.
“Honestly no, I didn’t think he would become a (player wanted by clubs) of this level. Or, at least, not at this speed. But the numbers are on his side. He has made important plays and physically he is a well-trained player who can still improve in his game choices.
“He can already be important for a great team.
“What strikes me about him? His personality. He is a player who is convinced of what he can do,” adds Iacoponi. “And it’s a winning weapon.
“The comparison with Ibrahimovic? The comparison can be made due to their size and their movements, but Joshua is much more technical than Ibra who was stronger.”