Manchester United are preparing a move for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee, according to reports.
- Man Utd eye Zirkzee
- Set to trigger release clause
- Other targets also identified
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to The Telegraph, United are preparing to trigger the £33.8million ($42.6m) release clause in Zirkzee’s contract as new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eyes attacking reinforcements this summer.
The Netherlands forward is currently away on international duty in Germany at Euro 2024, as talks regarding his future continue to rumble on behind the scenes.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Red Devils are eyeing several transfers this summer, despite only having a budget of around £50m ($63m) before any sales this summer. As well as a forward, the club are also looking to recruit a holding midfielder and a centre back.
LOSC Lille ace Leny Yoro and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite have both been touted as possible options within the defence.
WHAT RATCLIFFE SAID
Speaking to Bloomberg, the Oldham-born billionaire has outlined the need for change at Old Trafford, after choosing to keep Erik ten Hag in the role following a lengthy end-of-season review.
“The coach isn’t the only issue at Manchester United,” he said. “We’ve got more accountants than we’ve got sporting people at Manchester United.
“There’s room for improvement everywhere we look at Manchester United, and we will improve everything. We want to be where Real Madrid is today, but it’ll take time.”
WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
With the transfer window now open as of June 14, United can now look to make several moves to strengthen Ten Hag’s squad. However, the futures of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and many others must be resolved first, with these potential sales possibly opening the door for top-quality signings in the coming weeks.
