Manchester United could be closing in on the first signing of the 2024 summer transfer window if reports in Europe are to be believed.
While we are two weeks into the transfer window, Manchester United are yet to secure a signing or even look close to doing so, but that could all be about to change.
Recent days have seen the club’s summer targets become defined and as the knockout stage of Euro 2024 kicks off and Copa America draws close to that point, it could see things begin to develop quicker.
But for one summer target, his current club have now handed him a 72-hour deadline to make a decision on his future which could see him pick United and Erik ten Hag.
Bologna tell Joshua Zirkzee to make transfer decision
The race to sign Joshua Zirkzee is heating up and looks likely to be reaching its conclusion in the near future after the latest reports to come out of Italy.
This is according to the printed version of Corriere dello Sport which writes on page 29 of the June 28th edition that Zirkzee has been handed a deadline.
“Bologna wants to see clearly and within 72 hours they expect a response from the striker to avoid what happened with Thiago Motta. The club plans to be cautious and know if it will be able to count on Joshua or if it will have to find a replacement.
“The British tabloids in fact give Zirkzeevery close to United that can pay the clause and commissions and that is why Giovanni Sartori and Marco Di Vaio asked the Dutchman for maximum clarity within three days.”
Zirkzee seems quite clearly Ineos‘ number-one striker target to bolster the ranks up front alongside Rasmus Hojlund.
When could Joshua Zirkzee join Manchester United?
Even if Zirkzee decides to move to Old Trafford in the next 72 hours, he remains in the Euros for the Netherlands and so any progression of that deal must wait until they are knocked out.
In the round of 16, Holland faces Romania who we’d logically expect them to beat at least on paper. Then if they are successful there it’ll either be Turkey or Austria.
If it’s Austria, that could be where the Netherlands meet their end given Ralf Rangnick’s Austrian side beat the Dutch during the group stage.
So if Austria knocks the Dutch out it’ll be after next weekend that Zirkzee can turn his attention to completing a move, but that won’t stop United organising everything else so it’s done quickly after that.
But first, we must wait on his decision which hopefully comes in the next 72 hours.