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Manchester United have almost completed a deal to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna as they will pay his release clause.
The Red Devils have signalled that the Dutch striker is their top target for the last few weeks but it has been unclear whether he would choose to sign for United or AC Milan, with whom he had agreed personal terms.
There was even some doubt that the player wanted to leave Bologna at all as news broke a couple of weeks ago that he was content to stay at the club.
AC Milan were hot favourites at one stage to complete a deal but could not find an agreement with Zirkzee’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, on commission fees.
They have now admitted defeat, according to this morning’s paper version of Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim United have got their man.
For Milan, “Joshua Zirkzee’s name can be deleted,” the outlet says. “The Bologna striker has chosen the Devils, but the red ones from Manchester.
“United have overtaken everyone and practically closed for Zirkzee.”
Corriere dello Sport corroborate GdS’s story and claim that “the player’s future will be at United” and that the Red Devils “just have to decide when to strike by paying the 40 million euro clause to free him from the contract with Bologna.”
Yesterday, Tier 1 reporter David Ornstein reported that United had agreed terms with Zirkzee and with Joorabchian.
It was also reported that United are deliberating whether to pay the release clause or whether to try to negotiate paying the fee over a longer period, without so much being paid upfront, to ease cashflow problems for the rest of the club’s summer business.
Another Tier 1 reporter, Gianluca Di Marzio, though, has since contradicted him, stating that “The English club has in fact formally notified the Rossoblù that they will pay the player’s release clause.”
#Calciomercato | Il #ManchesterUnited ha ufficialmente informato il #Bologna che pagherà la clausola di #Zirkzee
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) July 7, 2024
All reports agree that personal terms and the agent fee has been settled.
It has already been relayed here that Ten Hag has been very vocal in his desire for United to land the 22 year old and has made direct contact with the player over the phone, to convince him of his role on the team.
In addition, it has been reported by the Italian press that Zirkzee is excited at the prospect of working with soon-to-join coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is reportedly waiting for his work permit before joining.
Zirkzee got his first minutes of action in the Euro 2024 tournament for the Netherlands against Turkey and United fans will certainly be paying close attention to any involvement he has against England in the gigantic semi-final tie on Wednesday evening.
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