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Bologna would like to close the sale of Manchester United target Joshua Zirkzee quickly so they can press ahead with buying his replacement.
The Zirkzee story has been the saga of the summer so far for United fans as just a few weeks ago it appeared that AC Milan were well ahead in the race.
There were also rumours that he planned to stay at current side Bologna and that even Juventus might get in the fray for the talented striker.
The last week however as seen a growing wave of optimism that the Dutch striker could be on his way to Old Trafford as news broke that Erik ten Hag had already been in contact with Zirkzee over a move and an admission by the Bologna president that the forward would 99% leave the club now that his release clause is active.
In addition, biggest rivals Milan were reported to have shifted their focus to other forwards like Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham.
Corriere di Bologna are much more downbeat this week about Zirkzee’s future in Italy, claiming that “Joshua Zirkzee is in the sights of English clubs” and “it is now quite clear that the future of the 22-year-old striker is far from Bologna as Manchester United’s interest grows stronger every day.”
The paper also highlights that the official announcement that Dan Ashworth will immediately take up his role as sporting director means United can “launch the definitive assault on their main objectives, starting with the Rossoblù striker, who would be freed thanks to the €40 million clause.”
The local outlet goes on to claim that now they know the true intentions of the 22 year old, Bologna want to sell the player rapidly as they fear missing out on their own top targets to replace him.
“Bologna would like to quickly close this matter so as not to risk losing their first choice on the centre forward market, namely the Greek Fotis loannidis from Panathinaikos, who in the last few hours has also received an interest from Leicester.”
United are reportedly keen to pay the more than fair release clause and are touted to have reached an agreement with his agent Kia Joorabchian over commission fees, something AC Milan could not do.
The news that Bologna are already looking at replacements and want a deal to move quickly is a very good sign that Zirkzee’s move to Old Trafford looks on the right track.
United fans will be pleased with the number of changes happening around the club, but they will be far from satisfied until they see some new signings on the pitch. Zirkzee would certainly be an exciting start.
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