Man United remain hopeful of completing a move for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee, whose transfer release clause – approximately £34million – becomes active on July 1.
The Netherlands international, currently at Euro 2024, is also wanted by AC Milan, but there are doubts over whether they can afford the player and the fee apparently demanded by his agent Kia Joorabchain.
And reports in Italy now claim that Zirkzee may not leave Bologna, despite United being in pole position to sign him. The forward’s goals helped fire Bologna, under manager Thiago Motta, to fourth place in Serie A and a Champions League qualification spot.
Italian paper Corriere dello Sport claim that United are the only club who “is willing to pay both the €40 million clause and the €15 million commission without batting an eyelid.”
However, they also add that Zirkzee has told teammates and people around him that he wants to stay at Bologna and play in the Champions League. United, of course, failed to qualify for the Champions League after finishing eighth, but will compete in the Europa League courtesy of their FA Cup victory.