Man Utd have their sights on £60m Serie A sensational striker

Man Utd have their sights on £60m Serie A sensational striker

Manchester United are looking to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 12).

The Red Devils currently have Rasmus Hojlund as an undisputed starter up front following his big-money move from Atalanta.

The Dane had a mixed start to the season, but he has found his feet since the New Year. He has 13 goals in all competitions.

Despite this, the club are expected to invest on another centre-forward with Anthony Martial set to leave on a free transfer.

Martial’s current deal expires on June 30 and the hierarchy have decided against renewing it amid his regular injuries.

Gazzetta dello Sport now report that United are in the running to sign Zirkzee, who could leave Bologna in the summer.

Bayern currently have a €40 million buy-back clause and it is claimed that it will take at least a similar fee to tempt Bologna.

However, the Serie A outfit could demand a much higher sum, particularly if they qualify for the Champions League.

The club do not rule out the prospect of keeping the Dutchman for another season.

United unlikely to pay over the odds for back-up striker

Zirkzee has had a fine second season with Bologna. He has netted 11 goals and provided six assists from 30 appearances.

The 22-year-old has also completed 21 passes per appearance, winning 4.2 duels and making 3.1 ball recoveries.

The Dutchman has created at least one key chance per game. He has all the attributes to become an elite striker.

Despite this, United will not want to spend over the odds for his services this summer.

€40m seems a fair price, but it could raise to €60m or more if Bologna were to qualify for the Champions League.

That appears likely to happen. As things stand, a top-five finish in Serie A would guarantee qualification.

Bologna are currently fourth in the table, seven points ahead of sixth-placed Atalanta.

In our view, United could be smarter with their investment and may pursue a deal for Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy.

Guirassy, who has netted a stunning 24 goals this term, was very close to joining United in January.

United were ready to trigger his €17.5m release clause, but could not afford in the end due to Financial Fair Play issues.

We won’t be surprised if the Red Devils return for the Guinea international this summer