Manchester United react to Joshua Zirkzee U-turn as interest registered in 80-goal striker

Manchester United have seemingly reacted to the latest news from Italy surrounding Joshua Zirkzee’s potential move to Old Trafford this summer.

Manchester United and AC Milan are both fighting for the chance to sign 23-year-old Dutch international Joshua Zirkzee this summer as they aim to bolster their attacking options.

Erik ten Hag‘s squad struggled with goal-scoring last season. Rasmus Højlund led the team’s scoring charts with 16 goals – a stark contrast to the prolific eras of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, and even Marcus Rashford during the 2022/23 campaign.

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Despite Untied’s interest in Zirkzee, reports from Italy on Tuesday detailed that Bologna are optimistic that the man with the £34 million release clause could stay in the Serie A for a further season, with Zirkzee seemingly making a U-turn and being happy to stay.

“There is no point in hiding how Bologna has started to hope again, also because Joshua has let everyone know that his will is to stay and he wants to play the Champions League with his teammates,” the report read.

Further, Zirkzee’s father is also reportedly pushing for the 23-year-old at his current club. “Not only that, Zirkzee’s father is also pushing him to stay in Casteldebole, having understood that another year in Bologna would be important for Joshua for his growth path.”

Finally, it was noted that Kia Joorabchian, his agent, could be set to clash with Zirkzee himself, as he is the one pushing for his client to make a move this summer.

“The point is that Kia himself would almost do something out of spite to Joshua by taking him to Manchester, firstly because the Dutch talent told him that he would like to play another championship in Italy to take the final step, secondly because the only certain thing is that he would find ruthless competition there, which certainly doesn’t fill him either of happiness nor of serenity.”

In light of this news, it seems that United are keeping their options as open as possible as they search for a striker to compete with Højlund.

According to iSport, United are being credited with an interest in Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has 80 career goals. Calvert-Lewin has previously shown himself to be a fantastic goalscorer when fit, but injury problems have plagued his carer.

AC Milan and Newcastle United are also thought to be interested in the English forward’s talents. Everton value him at around £40 million.

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