Manchester United have received a huge boost this summer in their pursuit of Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee.
After a disappointing season in front of goal, United are keen to strengthen their attack this summer.
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The departure of Anthony Martial has also left the Red Devils even weaker in attack, and The Pitch Prospect has learned that Bologna star Zirkzee is among the potential newcomers.
The Dutchman’s contract contains an exit clause and Bologna director Giovanni Sartori admitted: “Joshua Zirkzee has an exit clause in his contract and I believe there is a 99 percent chance that he will leave the club.”
This clause has been in force since 1 July and is worth almost 34 million pounds (40 million euros).
He had previously had an impressive season with Bologna, helping the team to a Champions League place in Serie A. The 23-year-old scored eleven goals and provided four assists.
But it is his smooth dribbling and skills that have caught the attention of many neutral spectators over the past 12 months.
Zirkzee graduated from the FC Bayern Munich academy and joined Bayern from Feyenoord in 2017 as a 16-year-old.
After failing to make the jump into the first team of the German record champions, he signed for Bologna after a good season at Anderlecht in which he scored 18 goals.
Since then, the former Dutch U21 international has developed into a key player in the Italian team under coach Thiago Motta, who has since left the club to coach Juventus.
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Motta’s departure could signal an exodus at Bologna, which finished third last season; defender Riccardo Calafiori is also being discussed as a move away.
United, on the other hand, are desperately trying to improve after a disastrous last season in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag managed to keep his job despite the Red Devils finishing only eighth in the league – their lowest placing in the Premier League era.
And United continued to look lackluster, finishing the season with a negative goal difference for the first time in 34 years.
Only two players managed double figures in the Premier League – Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund, who both scored ten points.
In addition to Zirkzee, United have been linked with Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and PSG star Manuel Ugarte.