Zirkzee is a top contender on United’s wishlist, but AC Milan has put up a fierce fight to capture the 23-year-old, who is free to sign for any club after his contract with Bologna expires for €40 million (£33.7 million).
After appearing to be in the lead in the chase for Zirkzee—they even came to an agreement with him last month—the Serie A team declined to give Kia Joorabchian, the player’s representative, an extra €15 million (£12.6 million) in commission, which caused the move to come to a standstill.
Zirkzee is now closing in on a move to Old Trafford, while AC Milan are now in talks over alternative striker targets, including Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku.
The report claims that United have reached an agreement over the commission payments but more crucially, Zirkzee is now convinced about a switch to United after speaking with Ten Hag about his potential role in the team.
Speaking earlier this week, Bologna’s technical director, Giovanni Sartori, confirmed that the Italian club are already been working on signing a replacement for the Dutch striker.
‘Zirkzee has a clause so he will leave 99.9 per cent,’ Sartori told Sky Sport Italia.
‘We have been thinking about his replacement for months.
‘It won’t be easy but we will work to replace him, we already have some names, some ideas.’
It’s understood that De Ligt, who is alongside Zirkzee in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, is open to joining United while Bayern are willing to sell the centre-back, who started just 16 games in the Bundesliga last season.
Bayern are holding out for a €50m (£42m) fee for De Ligt but there is a confidence that an agreement can be reached
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