Explained: Why Harry Kane's sensational form for Bayern Munich could help Man Utd clinch €22m transfer for Joshua Zirkzee

According to Sport1,the Red Devils are considering a move for the Bologna forward in the upcoming January transfer window to strengthen their attacking options. Earlier speculations about talks with Stuttgart goal machine Serhou Guirassy seem to be unfounded, as now reports reveal that United are exploring alternative options, with Zirkzee prominently featuring on their shortlist.

Zirkzee joined the Serie A outfit in August 2022 from Bayern and currently has a €22m release clause in his contract. Although the Bundesliga champions have an option to match the offer for the Dutch forward and are also eligible to receive 50 percent of the sell-on fee, they are unlikely to trigger the right-to-match clause. This is because Kane has been firing on all cylinders since his move to Germany from Tottenham and Bayern do not currently need any extra attacking reinforcements. That could help United to swoop in for Zirkzee and sign him at a discounted rate as his current valuation has risen to €30m (£26m/$35m) due to his seven goal haul in 17 Serie A matches this season.

Kane is currently enjoying his winter break with his family after netting 25 goals in 22 matches across all competitions this season. The England international became the quickest player to ever reach 20 Bundesliga goals after scoring twice in his 14th appearance in the competition for Bayern against Stuttgart.

United are struggling for goals this season and have the worst offensive record in the Premier League among the top 10 teams with just 21 strikes in 19 matches. Although Rasmus Hojlund finally opened his league account after netting in a 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday, Ten Hag remains keen to bolster his attack in January.