Manchester United are embracing a flurry of transfer activity right now but fans are still waiting for the first signing of the summer.
Transfer business was always likely to be slow whilst Ineos were weighing up Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United boss.
The Dutchman is staying put but Copa American and Euro 2024 have also offered hurdles in terms of getting deals done.
Those competitions are now in their final days though and United are really pushing for new signings ahead of the Premier League season.
United are thought to be ‘confident’ of signing Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt in a potential reunion with Erik ten Hag.
A new bid has been rejected for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite whilst Lille have accepted a United offer for wonderkid Leny Yoro.
Elsewhere in France, United are trying to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte with a £43million deal a possibility.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Manchester United could alter Joshua Zirkzee terms
Those moves are in the pipeline for United but the closest signing looks to be a new striker.
Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee has become United’s top target and a deal has been moving closer.
Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Zirkzee’s arrival is just ‘one step away’ and United are thought to have told Bologna that the Dutchman’s release clause will now be activated.
However, The Athletic suggest that there may yet be a change to the deal.
It’s claimed that United are still weighing up whether to activate Zirkzee’s clause or negotiate a different agreement.
If United activate Zirkzee’s release clause, then the £34million fee would have to be paid in full.
United’s cash flow may not allow for such a deal to take place, especially with targets such as De Ligt, Branthwaite, Yoro and Ugarte in mind.
Instead, United may look to negotiate with Bologna, potentially promising to pay a larger fee in total but spread out in instalments.
That would certainly help United, but whether Bologna are interested remains to be seen.
- READ: Who is Joshua Zirkzee? Meet the 6’4″ Man Utd summer target who reminds Thiago Motta of Ronaldinho
United in the clear for Zirkzee
There be a sense of confidence inside Old Trafford, hence the idea to negotiate with Bologna and work a different deal.
Rival clubs in the race for Zirkzee have been falling by the wayside of late.
Reports suggest that Arsenal are interested but Zirkzee prefers a move to Old Trafford over heading to North London.
AC Milan had been very keen too and even agreed terms with the striker in June.
Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic has now confirmed that Zirkzee will not be heading to the San Siro amid claims that they couldn’t agree an agent fee with Kia Joorabchian.
That leaves United in the clear for Zirkzee and he should join Ten Hag’s ranks this summer – as long as a deal can be agreed with Bologna.
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