Manchester United’s transfer work is in full flow as they prepare to sign Bologna and Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee and continue to work on strengthening other areas of the pitch
While Europe’s attention turns to Euro 2024’s finale this weekend when Spain and England face-off – clubs across the continent remain hard at work.
The end of the international tournament leaves little in the way of excuses for transfers to face any delay and, with the start of the 2024/25 season creeping up, deals must be done. Manchester United are no different and will hope that Netherlands’ exit can accelerate their moves for the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt as they look to make their first signings of the summer.
Much improvement is required at Old Trafford following their worst ever Premier League finish last term. Erik ten Hag knows his side will have to improve after extending his contract.
Mirror Football takes a look at some of the biggest transfer stories surrounding the side.
Joshua Zirkzee request
The Bologna forward is set to be the first player added to United’s squad this summer. The Red Devils have agreed terms for the Dutch international’s arrival and now have a deal in place with Bologna to pay more than his release clause for a favourable payment plan.
A £35.7million fee will be paid over three years and Zirkzee is expected to sign a five-year contract. The 23-year-old former Bayern Munich forward has one demand for his arrival however.
It’s reported that Zirkzee has asked to wear the No. 9 shirt vacated by Anthony Martial, whose contract expired at the end of last month. There could be competition for the shirt from Rasmus Hojlund who wears the number for Denmark.
Casemiro sale needed to fund transfer
Reports suggest that United can only look to sign PSG central midfielder Manuel Ugarte, if they are able to sell Casemiro first. The position has been deemed a priority for the club this summer.
Ugarte is said to be open to a move, despite no Champions League football on offer but United have seen a £38m bid turned down. They hope to pay no more than £45m.
The club started the window with a budget of £50m, so with moves for Zirkzee and De Ligt on the horizon, players must also depart. Al-Ittihad are said to be in talks for Casemiro with United keen to see the back of the Brazilian’s £350,000-per-week wages.
United learn £30m price-tag
Manchester United could have a difficult time persuading Bologna to part with another one of their stars after landing Zirkzee, but it may not prove impossible. A fee of £30m could prove enough to land Dan Ndoye
Manuel Minguzzi, editor at Tuttobologna, told the Manchester Evening News: “After Calafiori and Zirkzee, I don’t think Bologna will give up a third starter. The management would not want to give him up and Ndoye is liked by new coach Vincenzo Italiano. In any case we are talking about £25-30m.”
Ndoye’s agent Fahd Adamson has admitted a move could be on the cards. “It is good that Manchester United are interested in Dan, and it is somehow logical as well,” he said.
“United belong to INEOS, and Dan has already played for the other INEOS-owned clubs in Nice and Lausanne. He received countless WhatsApp messages from English clubs after the quarter-final against England. Let’s see what emerges from them.
“We must discuss Dan’s future with him and his family. We need to weigh things up well, to prevent him making the wrong career move.”
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