Man Utd close in on Joshua Zirkzee! Red Devils agree personal terms with Bologna forward ahead of €40m transfer

Per The Athletic, United are in the process of finalising the signing of Zirkzee from the Serie A club. They have already agreed personal terms and agent fees, but they are now negotiating a transfer fee. The Netherlands international's contract contains a release clause worth €40m (£34m/$43m) but Bologna insist that the clause is paid in full, which has provided a stumbling block. As such, United are weighing up whether to trigger the clause or attempt to negotiate a separate fee.

Zirkzee scored 11 Serie A goals last season as Bologna qualified for the Champions League and United have identified him as their key target to bolster a flagging strikeforce. Last season, Rasmus Hojlund scored 16 goals but their other three top scorers - Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Scott McTominay - are not outright strikers.

Per the report, United view Zirkzee as having complimentary skills to Hojlund and having both in the squad strengthens Ten Hag's tactical options. Anthony Martial left this summer, and United have been seeking a forward to replace him.

United will hope to formalise the signing of Zirkzee before moving onto other targets. They are also pursuing a deal for a centre-back, having seen an opening bid for Jarrad Branthwaite rejected by Everton.