Manchester United will reportedly have to sign Joshua Zirkzee before the middle of August if they are to pay just €40m (£33.9m) for the Bologna centre-forward.
The Dutchman has seemingly emerged as the English club's leading forward target this summer, as the Red Devils bid to bring in competition for Rasmus Hojlund next season.
Zirkzee has a €40m (£33.9m) release clause in his current deal at Bologna, but according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the buy-out fee is only valid until the middle of August.
Romano claims that the 20-time English champions are currently 'discussing internally', having held discussions with Zirkzee's agents to learn the cost of the deal.
AC Milan have allegedly already agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old, with the Italian giants also firmly in the race, while Arsenal are thought to be admirers of the ex-Bayern Munich youngster.
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Man United 'are keen on Zirkzee this summer'
A recent report claimed that Man United were waiting to sell Mason Greenwood before bringing in Zirkzee, but the Red Devils could now be forced to accelerate their pursuit.
According to Sky Sports News, there is 'cautious optimism' from Man United that a deal can be completed for the striker, who scored 12 times and registered seven assists in 37 appearances for Bologna during the 2023-24 campaign.
Zirkzee struck 11 times and registered five assists in 34 Serie A matches, while he managed one goal and two assists in three outings in the Coppa Italia.
The forward made the move to Bologna from Bayern in the summer of 2022, and he has represented the Italian team on 58 occasions, scoring 14 goals and registering nine assists.
Bologna have Zirkzee on a contract until June 2026, and they could potentially ask for a higher price if his buy-out fee is not activated by the middle of August.
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Which other strikers are being linked with Man United?
The striker market is a difficult one this summer, with a number of major clubs keen to improve their quality in the final third of the field, but there are not too many options of the required standard.
Lille's Jonathan David continues to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with the Canada international widely expected to leave his French club this summer, as his contract is due to expire next June.
Ivan Toney is out of contract at Brentford next summer, meanwhile, and the England international is also believed to be on Man United's striker shortlist.
Sevilla's Youssef En-Nesyri and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha have also been linked with possible switches to Erik ten Hag's side during the summer market.
However, Zirkzee appears to be their leading target at this stage, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the next few days.
Matt Law
