- Man Utd closing in on signing of Joshua Zirkzee
- Striker has £34m release clause but alternative payment formula could be agreed
- Zirkzee currently with Netherlands at Euro 2024
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Joshua Zirkzee, with a report claiming they are 'working to finalise' a deal.
The Red Devils are on the hunt for a striker this transfer window, with Rasmus Hojlund now their only natural option at centre forward following the expiration of Anthony Martial's contract.
United were among the teams keeping tabs on Zirkzee, who at the time was midway through an impressive Bologna campaign that ended with them sealing Champions League qualification.
Since then, United have stepped up their interest and have rivalled AC Milan for the Dutchman. Though he initially appeared to be heading towards San Siro, the saga has taken another turn and a move to Old Trafford looks more likely.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reports a deal to take 23-year-old Zirkzee to United is edging closer. The club have reached an agreement in regards to personal terms and hefty agent fees - factors which slowed Milan's pursuit down.
United have the option to simply activate the £34m release clause in Zirkzee's contract, though due to a 'cashflow issue', they are weighing up whether to approach Bologna with a proposal featuring a more favourable payment structure.
Zirkzee is currently at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands, though only received a late call-up due to an injury crisis in Ronald Koeman's team and cut short his holiday to join up with the squad. The Oranje take on England in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
There have been calls for Zirkzee, who has only played three minutes of this Euros, to start for the Netherlands with current starting striker Memphis Depay out of form. Wout Weghorst, who played for United on loan in 2023, has often been Koeman's preferred option off the bench.
