United target once 'touted as wonderkid'

AFTER being incredibly patient in their pursuit of a striker last summer, a new goal-getter could be United's first addition of the summer window this time around.

- GEORGE SMITH

The Reds are understood to be making progress with their quest to sign Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee. The club is optimistic they could wrap up a deal for him this month.

The all-action forward, who made his Netherlands debut in Saturday night's 2-1 win over Turkey in the quarter-finals of the European Championship, scored 12 goals for Bologna last season, 11 of which were plundered in Serie A. He also contributed seven assists in all competitions.

An unknown figure to the majority of United supporters, the Reds' pursuit of Zirkzee draws comparisons to that of Rasmus Hojlund 12 months ago, in the sense that neither player has yet fully established himself as elite-level striker. However, United need to beef up their attacking options this summer and do not have unlimited funds available.

Zirkzee's contract has a EUR40million (£34m) release clause and talks about the fee are reportedly ongoing. It has been claimed that United are 'exploring' whether to negotiate a different price.

If United reach an agreement with the Italian club and secure Zirkzee's services, they will inherit a player who is knocking on the door to establish himself as a seasoned performer.