Manchester United are in talks with the representatives of Joshua Zirkzee after revealing their intention to activate the Bologna forward’s release clause.
Zirkzee can be signed for a fee of €40m (£33.8m) and Sky Sports are reporting that Manchester United have informed the player’s representatives that they are prepared to meet that figure.
The 23-year-old scored 11 league goals last season as Bologna secured a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, with the forward’s performances earning him the Serie A Young Player of the Season award for 2023-24.
AC Milan and Arsenal have also discussed moves for Zirkzee, who is currently with the Netherland squad at Euro 2024.
The 6ft 4in forward led all strikers in Serie A for successful take-ons last season and Manchester United view Zirkzee as competition and cover for Rasmus Hojlund.
Erik ten Hag wants to add a forward to his squad to ease the burden on Hojlund, who scored 16 times in all competitions during his debut season at Old Trafford. United are without a like-for-like alternative to the Denmark international with Anthony Martial departing as a free agent this summer.
Zirkzee began his career in the academy at Bayern Munich and made 17 senior appearances for the Germans, before joining Bologna after a successful loan spell at Anderlecht.
