Man United preparing to trigger ‘incredible’ Serie A Striker’s release clause this summer as Rasmus Hojlund competition

Man United preparing to trigger ‘incredible’ Serie A Striker’s release clause this summer as Rasmus Hojlund competition

Manchester United are planning to try and sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who is available for a fairly modest transfer fee due to a release clause in his contract

Manchester United has made Joshua Zirkzee a top transfer target, and the team is expected to activate the striker’s £33.8 million contract release clause.

The summer transfer window, which is expected to be the first one managed by Ineos and part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is anticipated to bring in both new players and departures for the Red Devils.

And once the club’s senior brass last week finally provided Erik ten Hag with clarity regarding his future, transfer activity has already begun to pick up steam.

It is known that the team is eager to add more attacking players to help Rasmus Hojlund, who had a difficult start to his Premier League debut. And a deal for Zirkzee makes sense, even though United has other objectives.

As revealed by The Telegraph, United have ‘serious interest’ in bringing the Bologna striker to Old Trafford, with the report going on to claim that the club are ‘preparing’ to trigger the release clause in the 23-year-old’s contract after entering into talks with the player’s camp.

Zirkzee has been linked with several top European clubs in recent weeks, including AC Milan and Arsenal. He scored 11 goals and laid on five assists in 35 Serie A matches last term.

As well as targeting a new forward, United are also prioritising the signing of a central defender and a holding midfielder.

It’s outlined, though, that the club’s net transfer budget is just £50m, meaning additional funds will need to be raised through player trading.

The Red Devils have already bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite since the transfer window opened last week, however, it was swiftly rejected by their Premier League rivals, who value the 21-year-old at £70m.

Jean-Clair Todibo of OGC Nice is another player who has been identified as a Manchester United transfer target.

However, it has now emerged that UEFA have informed the club they will not be able to sign any players from Nice, who are also owned by Ratcliffe.