Manchester United are strongly interested in signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport (page 22).
The Red Devils are likely to pursue a new centre-forward with Anthony Martial expected to depart when his contract expires at the end of June.
United have been linked with several names, but Corriere dello Sport claim that the club are strongly interested in securing the services of Zirkzee.
Bologna purchased the Dutchman from Bayern Munich for €8.5 million two years ago. As part of the deal, Bayern have the option to re-sign him for €40m.
Meanwhile, the German champions will be owed 35 per cent of any profit gained from Zirkzee’s transfer if he were to move to another club this summer.
Keeping this in mind, it is reported that the Red Devils would have to negotiate openly with Bologna.
The Serie A outfit would be free to negotiate on a possible fee for Zirkzee, who has registered 11 goals and six assists from 29 appearances this term.
Zirkzee to Man Utd speculation could be agent-driven
United are likely to invest on a new striker this summer with Martial set to part ways.
However, the Red Devils may not make a huge outlay, considering Rasmus Hojlund would be the first-choice striker when fit and available to play.
Hojlund had a slow start in the Premier League, but he has recently found his feet with seven goals from his last six appearances in the English top-flight.
The Dane has 13 goals for the campaign and has the potential to become a 25-30 goal striker.
Hence, we don’t see huge investment on another young marksman. Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy would be a better acquisition for around €17.5m.
The Guinean was very close to joining United in January, as per Fabrizio Romano. A deal did not materialise due to Financial Fair Play issues.
In our view, the speculation involving Zirkzee could be agent-driven. United are being used as a negotiation tool to invite interest from elsewhere.
It has also been suggested lately that the €60m striker prefers to continue in Serie A with AC Milan instead of trying to adapt to another new league.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
