Manchester United are exploring a transfer for Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee.
The Bologna striker is currently at Euro 2024 with his international side but is subject to interest from the Red Devils and a number of European teams. United's interest is 'advanced' according to multiple sources and the club are talking to the player's representatives.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's team have yet to approach the Champions League qualifiers to discuss a move. Zirkzee has a £34million release clause in his deal, which runs until 2026, with the Serie A side, who recently lost head coach Thiago Motta to Juventus.
The Dutch ace enjoyed a breakout season in Italy as he scored 12 times in his second season with Bologna. Zirkzee had previously featured for Bayern Munich's first team as a teenager having moved to the Bundesliga side's youth team from Feyenoord. Loans to Parma and Anderlecht followed, and Zirkzee netted 18 times during his term in Belgium.
The 23-year-old has already drawn interest from AC Milan, Arsenal and Juve.
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But United are said to 'threaten' the European giants' chances of a deal, with Milan attempting to haggle over the £12.7m commission demanded by agent Kia Joorabchian. The Rossoneri have been unable to come up with a resolution despite days of negotiations.
United would have few issues with paying the commission required to land Zirkzee and Joorabchian - who infamously dealt with United to take Carlos Tevez to Old Trafford - feels he deserves significant compensation having negotiated the star's release clause, thus allowing for a cut-price deal.
Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC gestures during the serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2024 in Naples, Italy (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Zirkzee's preferred destination is understood to be Milan however, with Zirkzee idolising Zlatan Ibrahimovic - now part of the club's hierarchy. The Italian side have previously been reluctant to pay hefty fees to agents however.
Meanwhile, former Netherlands boss Frank de Boer has already told Zirkzee he should pen a deal with Arsenal instead.
"I have great respect for Arsenal, they have patience, for example they had it with [Mikel] Arteta who didn’t start well," ex-Inter Milan boss De Boer told Calciomercato "In some clubs, if it happens like this you are already out. And he has played very well in the last two years, Inter also play well.
"If I have to say someone I prefer Arsenal because they have the patience to wait for him and give him confidence."
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