Manchester United have informed Bologna that they are ready to trigger Joshua Zirkzee’s €40 million (£33.7m) release clause, according to reports in Italy.
After deciding to keep Erik ten Hag in place as manager, United have prioritised a move for a new striker and at least one new centre-back ahead of the new Premier League season.
Zirkzee, who scored 11 goals in Serie A last season, was one of the leading candidates on United’s shortlist but the Premier League club have had to fend off competition from AC Milan to sign the 23-year-old.
AC Milan had reached an initial agreement with Zirkzee, however, their move was halted as they refused to pay an additional €15 million (£12.6m) in commission to the player’s representative Kia Joorabchian.
That delay allowed United to make their move and Zirkzee has now agreed personal terms with the Premier League side after holding direct talks with Erik ten Hag.
United were then weighing up whether to pay Zirkzee’s €40m (£33.7m) release clause in full or, due to their financial restrictions, negotiate a separate a separate deal with Bologna which would have included smaller fee up front with add-ons.
Sky Sports Italy report that United are opting to trigger Zirkzee’s clause and have formally notified Bologna of their decision.
United have also agreed to pay an additional €15m (£12.6m) in commission fees which held up the deal with AC Milan last month.
Bayern Munich will also hugely benefit from Zirkzee’s move to United as they included a 45 per cent sell-on clause as part of their deal which saw the Dutch striker join Bologna for £7m (€8.5m) from the Bundesliga club in August 2022.
Zirkzee is currently with the Netherlands squad as they prepare for their Euro 2024 semi-final tie against England on Wednesday evening.
The striker, who was a late addition to the Dutch squad in June, was handed his first senior cap in the 2-1 win against Turkey in the Euro 2024 quarter final on Saturday night.
When asked about his future after the game, Zirkzee raised doubt over whether he will remain in Italy for another year.
Asked if he will still be playing in Italy next season, Zirkzee told Sportitalia: ‘I don’t know, let’s see.’
Asked if it’s a 50 per cent chance that he stays, Zirkzee replied: ‘Let’s see.’
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