Joshua Zirkzee to Man Utd transfer latest as agent fee scares off rivals and release clause deadline revealed

Manchester United continue to be linked with a number of potential targets, but perhaps none more than Joshua Zirkzee. The Bologna winger is expected to be snapped up by someone this summer, and the Red Devils are reportedly hoping it will be them.

The 23-year-old is currently with the Netherlands at Euro 2024, but he is yet to make an appearance in Germany, and he is yet to get a senior cap in any capacity for his country. In the meantime, clubs continue to battle it out for the winger’s signature, and here we round up the latest on United’s pursuit.

Release clause

Transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano has reported that Zirkzee’s £33.9million release clause will not be valid for the whole summer. It’s reported that the release clause will only be in play until the start of August, meaning there is limited time for clubs to act.

Naturally, Bologna could move to agree a new contract with Zirkzee even if that clause is met, but the player is unlikely to make that decision if a top club comes calling this summer.

Latest reports from Italy

Gianluca Di Marzio say United now have a concrete interest in landing Zirkzee this summer, already making contact over a possible deal. It follows reports from Corriere dello Sport claiming that the Red Devils were the only team willing to pay agent Kia Joorabchian a sizable commission fee of more than £11million.

Reports in Italy have also claimed that Erik ten Hag has personally been in touch with countryman Zirkzee in a bid to convince him to join. That would be against tampering rules, but such rules don’t seem to be in force in the modern game. AC Milan are also said to be interested in a deal for Zirkzee, but reports claim they are not willing to pay the commission requested by Zirkzee’s representative.

What Zirkzee has said

Zirkzee told Sky Sports earlier this summer: "After the holidays we'll see what will happen. As far as I know so far I will play the Champions League with Bologna but I can't say anything. There's a lot going on, in the meantime we're thinking about finishing the season well and then we'll come back after the holidays and see what happens."

Those comments line up with reports that claim the winger will not make any decision on his future until after his participation at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands has concluded. Earlier this season, now former Bologna boss Thiago Motta said of Zirkzee’s talent: “I remember Ronaldinho from Barcelona, ​​​​he was something extraordinary. I’ve never seen a player of this level when he was in form. Ibra the same, given the career he’s had. Joshua is Joshua, he’s special, I hope he continues like this and I won’t compare him to anyone. He plays well but above all he works, I will never stop saying that from the first day of training camp, he has always been the first to work and has become a leader. He must continue like this and we must help him continue like this because this is on the right path.”