‘A big openness’ for player who ‘has everything’ to join United this summer, suggests transfer reporter

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·5. Juli 2024

‘A big openness’ for player who ‘has everything’ to join United this summer, suggests transfer reporter

Manchester United are yet to seal their first signing of the summer, although reports suggest there’s work being done in the background to get numerous deals over the line.

The Red Devils got straight to work when the window opened last month after they saw a £35 million bid for Jarrad Branthwaite swiftly rebuffed by Everton. It was a pretty ludicrous attempt given their widely-covered asking price, but, it showed intent from the get-go from INEOS, which fans were pleased to see.

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Now, it’s thought that attention has switched to another centre-half in the form of Matthijs de Ligt for the time being. Personal terms are rumoured to be in place between the player and United, and he’s told his agent to prioritise a move to Old Trafford over anywhere else.

Elsewhere, INEOS have seemingly identified Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee as a suitable striker addition to ease the goalscoring burden on Rasmus Hojlund. The Netherlands international, 23, has a relatively low £34m release clause embedded into his contract, which has undoubtedly factored into United’s interest.

Previously linked with AC Milan, recent departee head coach Stefano Pioli once claimed Zirkzee ‘has everything’ after coming up against the frontman in a Serie A clash.

Zirkzee open to Old Trafford switch this summer

Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth has now provided a promising update for the United faithful regarding the player’s intentions, suggesting it’s clear he’s open to the move, otherwise, he wouldn’t be engaging in talks.

“Now, if United are prepared to meet this release clause, which we understand they are, then immediately after that has been made public to the representatives and to Bologna, then it’s up to the player to talk to United,” Sheth told GiveMeSport.

“Now, if he [Zirkzee] wasn’t interested in the move, if the representatives weren’t interested in the move, that would have been cut off very, very quickly, but the fact that the talks are continuing would imply that there’s a big openness for a move to potentially happen.”