Ten Hag in talks with Zirkzee, Man Utd ready to trigger release clause | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has held talks with Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and his representatives in recent days, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Netherlands international is a top target for the Red Devils as they look to strengthen their attack, and they are willing to trigger his €40 million release clause.

Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori has also confirmed that Zirkzee will leave the Serie A club in the coming weeks due to his release clause, which is a huge boost for Man United.

However, United are not the only club keen on signing the 23-year-old, with AC Milan also targeting him.

Zirkzee is currently with the Netherlands at the European Championship and will decide his future after the tournament.

New Juventus manager and former Bologna boss Thiago Motta dubbed the Man United target ‘special’ last season, claiming he reminded him of his former Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho.

The former Bayern Munich striker ended last season with 11 goals and four assists in 34 league appearances, helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League.

Zirkzee is also an excellent dribbler who passes well and knows how to thread through balls to players in front of him.

He constantly contributes defensively when his team is not in possession, and those qualities have attracted Man United to him.

Ten Hag has been speaking with summer targets as he has also held talks with Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt about a move.

Signing the players on his wishlist would be a massive boost heading into his third season in charge of Man United.