Manchester United 'prepared' to meet £34m release clause as talks 'advancing fast'

The summer transfer window is now well into its second week and speculation up and down the country is heating up. Manchester United look set for another busy and expensive few months as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe stamps his authority on his boyhood club in a bid to return them to the top of the Premier League.

After deciding to stick with manager Erik ten Hag and looking into a contract extension, focus can now turn on incomings - and there will likely be plenty. United are open to strengthening just about every position on the pitch but will have to offload players as well, with funds tight at Old Trafford. There will be plenty going on behind the scenes already and ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest stories surrounding the club.

Zirkzee latest

United look to be progressing in their pursuit of Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee and are reportedly in talks with his representatives over a move. Sky Sports report that the Reds are prepared to meet Zirkzee’s €40million (£33.8m) release clause and are now pushing forward with discussing the terms of a potential deal.

Ten Hag has identified attacking reinforcements as a key area to strengthen this summer, with goals a continuous problem over the past two years and back-up striker Anthony Martial leaving as a free agent, leaving Rasmus Hojlund as the sole natural option upfront. Zirkzee had been linked with a move to Old Trafford as early as last year and after registering an impressive 11 goals in 34 Serie A games for Bologna, has only become more enticing.

United are not the only team keen on the 23-year-old, however, with previous reports suggesting AC Milan were already in talks over a move, but Ten Hag will hope the allure of Premier League football proves decisive. Those in charge at Old Trafford are still working on other targets though, in the knowledge that there is plenty still to do before an arrival is confirmed.

Van Nistelrooy talks

United look set to back Ten Hag further by appointing Rudd van Nistelrooy as part of his coaching staff. After initially reporting on interest over the weekend, Fabrizio Romano now claims talks are ‘advancing fast’ to bring the Dutchman back to Old Trafford as part of the backroom team.

Van Nistelrooy established himself as one of the Premier League’s most clinical finishers during a five-year spell at United in which he bagged 150 goals in 219 appearances. Following spells at Real Madrid, Hamburger and Malaga, he moved into coaching and has enjoyed great success in his early years.

Most recently, the 47-year-old led PSV Eindhoven to the 2022/23 KNVB Cup but then resigned with one game of the season remaining, citing a lack of support from those above him. He had previously worked within PSV’s youth set up and as assistant manager to Guus Hiddink with the Dutch national team. Van Nistelrooy was thought to be a candidate to succeed Vincent Kompany at Burnley but looks set to join Ten Hag at United instead.