Manchester United interest in Joshua Zirkzee complicated by £12.6million agent demand

Manchester United’s interest in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee is complicated by the reported high agent demands associated with a possible deal.

United are looking to add another recognised centre-forward to their squad in the summer transfer window, with Zirkzee one of a number of names of interest to the club in their search for a back-up to Rasmus Hojlund. As things stand, Erik ten Hag's side are looking to add a defender to their squad first this summer, before turning their attention to a striker and a central midfielder.

ManchesterWorld understand Brentford ace Ivan Toney and Lille striker Jonathan David remain of long-term interest to the club, while they could also consider less established names such as Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier depending on how much money they make from projected player sales.

Zirkzee is being considered by a number of clubs, though AC Milan look best-placed to land his signature this summer having already agreed provisional terms with the player. The 23-year-old is currently away with the Netherlands squad at the European Championship and it is unclear whether or not a possible transfer will progress while he is involved in the tournament.

A move for the Dutch forward is made a more appealing option due to the fact he has a €40 million release clause in his Bologna contract, though the caveat to his relatively low fee is the reported agent fees associated with the deal.

Gazzetta dello Sport claim the forward's agent, Kia Joorabchian, is demanding a payment of €15m in commission (£12.6m) to facilitate a deal, which could put some suitors off.

Zirkzee netted 12 goals in 37 appearances for Bologna as they finished fifth in Serie A and qualified for the Champions League. He was an unused substitute in the Netherlands 2-1 win over Poland at the weekend and is yet to make his senior international debut.