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Man United 'on verge' of completing £68m double deal for highly-rated duo

Man United making moves: Highly-rated duo 'on verge' of joining the Red Devils
© Reuters
Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and Bologna centre-forward Joshua Zirkzee are allegedly closing in on moves to Manchester United.

Manchester United are reportedly expecting to wrap up the signings of Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and Bologna centre-forward Joshua Zirkzee in the near future.

De Ligt has recently emerged as the club's leading defensive target due to Everton placing a £80m asking price on English centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Meanwhile, a striker is also a priority for the Red Devils this summer, with the club determined to bring in support for Rasmus Hojlund during the current market.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, both De Ligt and Zirkzee have 'given the green light' to complete moves to Old Trafford.

Romano claims that the Dutch duo have both spoken with Man United head coach Erik ten Hag in recent days, and all aspects of personal terms and commission fees have already been agreed with Zirkzee.

Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee on May 11, 2024© Reuters

De Ligt, Zirkzee 'heading for Man United'

Sky Sports News have reported that Man United are willing to meet Zirkzee's £34m release clause, although the structure of the deal is still being discussed by the two clubs.

The striker made his Netherlands debut on Saturday evening, appearing as a late substitute in his side's 2-1 success over Turkey in the quarter-finals of the competition.

The 23-year-old, who has previously played for Bayern Munich, enjoyed a productive 2023-24 campaign for Bologna, finding the back of the net on 12 occasions in all competitions.

Arsenal and AC Milan have also been credited with an interest in the Dutchman, but Man United are seemingly now on the verge of securing his signature.

Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt on June 16, 2024© Reuters

Blockbuster double deal will send out a message to Man United's rivals

Romano claims that De Ligt has also come to an agreement with Man United over personal terms, with the centre-back making it clear that he only wants to move to Old Trafford this summer.

The Red Devils remain in talks with Bayern over a transfer fee, but it has been claimed that the Premier League club could pay just £34m to secure his signature.

As a result, a £68m double deal is seemingly on the verge of completion, and it would be a statement of intent from Man United under their new structure at this early stage of the transfer window.

De Ligt, who is also with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024, made 30 appearances for Bayern during the 2023-24 campaign, but he has been made available for transfer this summer.

The 24-year-old, who could play alongside Lisandro Martinez in the middle of the Man United defence next season, was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford before he left Ajax for Juventus in 2019.

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Manchester United's Erik ten Hag celebrates in August 2023
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