Manchester United are focusing on the signing of a new striker and appear to be closing in on a crucial addition to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
The transfer window is really starting to heat up now and Manchester United are accelerating a number of moves.
Centre backs are at the forefront of United’s plans and the club are described as being ‘confident’ of signing Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutchman isn’t the only only defender wanted though as a second bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been rejected.
United are also looking at French wonderkid Leny Yoro amid claims that Lille have accepted a bid – despite Real Madrid wanting to sign him.
United may face a battle to convince Yoro but are also looking to snatch Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
Lewis Ferguson on Manchester United target Joshua Zirkzee
Those deals are all being worked on but the closest signing right now appears to be Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutchman has become United’s top target to offer support for Rasmus Hojlund in attack.
Despite claims from Fabrizio Romano that United are ‘one step away’ from signing Zirkzee, the deal may be a little more complicated.
Zirkzee has a £34million release clause but United are now thought to be weighing up a different payment structure in an attempt to avoid paying the fee in one go.
United will expect to get Zirkzee signed up soon enough and his Bologna teammate Lewis Ferguson has now praised the striker.
Zirkzee hit 11 goals in Serie A last season, helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League.
Ferguson saw Zirkzee’s outstanding performances first-hand and has told the Daily Mail about the United target.
Ferguson felt that Zirkzee was simply ‘amazing’ last season, branding his performances ‘excellent’.
The Scot added that Zirkzee was one of the best players for Bologna and would be a good signing for whoever signs him – including United.
“I’m good friends with Josh. He had an amazing season and it was a wee bit of a surprise he wasn’t in the original Dutch squad,” said Ferguson. “He played up front for us. He was excellent, one of our best performers. Milan are apparently interested in signing him, Man United as well. He’ll be a good signing wherever he goes,” he added.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Could Hojlund and Zirkzee play together?
Zirkzee is predominantly being signed to offer competition and cover for Hojlund up top.
The Dane had a real lack of help around him last season and is still too raw to be shouldering the workload on his own.
Zirkzee can offer another option for United in attack, but could they actually play together?
Cast your minds back to 2023 with Wout Weghorst’s arrival.
The Dutchman is a huge centre forward but actually played as a number 10 in some games, a formula which worked well for Erik ten Hag.
Zirkzee is a big presence himself at 6ft 4in tall but has also shown exceptional skill on the ball and is adept at dropping deep and getting on the ball.
This move may allow Zirkzee to play in that number 10 role just like Weghorst, offering real help for Hojlund in the final third.
That is just one option for Ten Hag to explore once the deal gets done, with United fans now waiting for Zirkzee to arrive at Old Trafford.
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