Manchester United's hopes of signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee have been boosted by AC Milan's admission that they are no longer chasing the Dutchman.
Earlier this summer, Milan were seen as the leading contenders to sign Zirkzee and even agreed a personal deal with the 23-year-old, whose £34m release clause makes him a bargain in today's market.
Milan, however, failed to get a deal over the line before United stepped up their interest and the Red Devils are believed to be close to a deal, helped by the recent admission of Milan director Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Zirkzee has passed,” Ibrahimovic said at a press conference. “We are thinking about who we will focus on, I will not say the names but we are focusing on someone.
“We are studying and talking but there is no rush, the market is long. I guarantee that new signings will come. We are talking and consulting. Nothing is closed.”
United are now believed to be on a free transfer for Zirkzee, having already agreed personal terms and an agent fee with the Dutch representatives.
The main question for United is whether they can start their £34m release clause, which must be paid in full, or try to negotiate a payment arrangement with Bologna that would see them pay the big money over a number of years.
As for Milan, they remain keen to sign a new striker and are understood to be interested in Chelsea duo Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku, who are both available for transfer this summer.
Lukaku costs £37m, while Broja, who recently admitted he has been approached by Serie A clubs, could be available for less.
READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, FOLLOW THE CUTS AND GOSSIP
Source link
