24 June 2024 , 05:00
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Manchester United could get a free run at the signing of Joshua Zirkzee with AC Milan looking at a Newcastle-linked alternative.
The Red Devils have the Netherlands and Bologna forward at the top of their transfer shortlist. It was previously claimed that Man United were considering activating a £34m release clause written into his contract.
One problem was any competition for Zirkzee’s signature. Italian giants AC Milan are also among the clubs linked with him, while Premier League rivals Arsenal have been mentioned.
But now it appears that Milan are looking elsewhere. According to Mail Online, the Serie A side have shown an interest in Everton ’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The English striker could leave Goodison Park this summer, with just a year remaining on his deal. Everton have offered him fresh terms but Calvert-Lewin is open to a new challenge.
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Should Milan move for him, that could see them abandon their swoop for Zirkzee, leaving Man United in the box seat. The Italians could however deal serious damage to Newcastle should they go down that route.
Eddie Howe’ s side are interested in Calvert-Lewin and had been in talks with Everton regarding a £35m deal. Regarding Zirkzee, a number of updates have been shared about his future.
Former Netherlands star Bryan Roy recently claimed that a big move had come too soon for the striker. Speaking to Tutto Juve, he said: “Zirkzee, unlike [Teun] Koopmeiners, is not yet ready for the big leap.
AC Milan are interested in signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Getty Images)Would Joshua Zirkzee be a good signing for Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“He is still young, we need another year in Bologna in which to score a lot. It would be important to test yourself in the same team but with a different coach [after Thiago Motta left to join Juventus ]. Then he’ll think about what to do.”
Zirkzee’s Bologna teammate Santiago Castro also revealed that a move to Milan was not yet rubber-stamped. Speaking to Radio Velez 670, the Argentine said: “A player who surprises me every day is Zirkzee. He is truly complete: he plays, he has strength, he’s a crack and he’s humble. Joshua and I talk a lot, and I’m happy with his rise.
“Zirkzee to Milan is not finished. If Bologna signs another striker they will have to continue working to earn their place.”
Zirkzee, 23, has two years remaining in his contract with Bologna. He is fresh off the back of a 12-goal season in Italy - form that was eventually good enough to see him earn a spot in his nation’s Euro 2024 squad.
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