INEOS preparing to sanction £33.8m-worth transfer for Dutch star

Manchester United are preparing to trigger the release clause in Joshua Zirkzee’s contract with Bologna, according to reports.

The Red Devils are eager to bolster their strike force and introduce competition for Rasmus Hojlund in front of goal. After having scanned the transfer market, which is already lacking of talented yet affordable strikers, they have set their sights on Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee.

At 6’4”, the Dutch international has the build of a target man. However, he boasts the tricky feet of a playmaker and the pace of a speedy winger, making him a truly unique profile.

The 23-year-old also has the stats to back his talent up. Last season, he ranked among the top 10 Serie A players for goals scored and chances created from open play, alongside successful dribbles.

All things combined, Zirkzee makes for an exciting package—a fact that has naturally earned him widespread interest.

Manchester United considering triggering Zirkzee’s release clause

According to James Ducker from The Telegraph, the Old Trafford club is preparing to trigger the £33.8m release clause in Joshua Zirkzee’s Bologna contract.

The 20-time English champions appear to have overtaken AC Milan in this transfer race.

The San Siro giants were previously believed to be the favourites to sign the Dutchman, but their reluctance to pay the agent fees—said to be in the range of €10-15 million—has seemingly swung the balance in United’s favour.

Zirkzee’s release clause becomes active in about two weeks’ time, and United remain in talks with his camp.

Apart from United and Milan, the likes of Arsenal and Juventus have also expressed their interest in the Bologna man. But with the way things currently stand, the Manchester club appears to be the clear frontrunner in this hot pursuit.