Manchester United closing in on first summer signing: Report

Manchester United look set for a transformative summer transfer window as new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.The Red Devils are facing a mass exodus as they continue to pick up the pieces of their worst season in the Premier League, finishing eighth with a negative goal difference.Following the recent confirmation of Erik ten Hag's future at the club, it looks like United face a big task if they hope to provide the Dutchman with a squad ready to compete for the top honors on a consistent basis.VIDEO: How England plan to win Euro 2024 - Tactical previewA leaky back line pair and an underperforming front line spelled disaster for the Red Devils last season.Marcus Rashford failed to reach double figures for goals, while the top scorer in all competitions was Rasmus Hojlund on just 16.A young forward line often lacked cohesion last season, with the Hag seemingly unable to get his favorite trio - Rashford, Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho - to perform consistently and get the best out of each other, despite rare glimpses of magic between them.The best features, fun and football quizzes straight to your inbox every week.Hojlund finished as Manchester United's top scorer last season (Image credit: Getty Images)This has led to reports suggesting the Red Devils will be heading into the market for strikers this summer as the ten Hag look to add some much-needed firepower.RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko is believed to have been considered before extending his contract with Die Roten Bullen, while long-term target Victor Osimhen continues to remain well above their budget.Reports now suggest United will go all out to sign Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Italian side Bologna and are willing to meet his £34m release clause.Conformable TEAMtalkUnited are set to battle AC Milan for the 23-year-old's signature after an impressive personal campaign in which his goals helped Bologna secure an unlikely place in next season's Champions League.Zirkzee is set for a move this summer (Image credit: Alamy)A former member of Bayern Munich, Zirkzee's stature and technical ability make him a fantastic facilitator rather than an outright goalscorer.His arrival would likely help get the best out of those around him, namely Marcus Rashford, who will be hoping to return to the heights of his 30-goal campaign in 2023.Having previously been cautious about their spending this summer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now understood to be willing to match his release clause "without batting an eyelid", according to the report.In a market bereft of serious attacking talent, Zirkzee's £34m release clause makes him a problem for Europe's elite sides, meaning United will need to move quickly if wants to get an understanding.(Image credit: Getty Images)In the Four Four Two You see, this is likely to happen given the price and the Red Devils' desire to reach a deal as quickly as possible.Zirkzee fits the mold of a Sebastien Haller-style forward that Ten Hag has favored in recent years at Ajax and, along with Hojlund, offers plenty of stylistic versatility.The only foreseeable obstacle would be the interest of AC Milan, who can apparently give the Dutchman more guaranteed minutes in Serie A.More Manchester United storiesThe boss of Manchester United Erik ten Hag gives his verdict on Marcus Rashford in EnglandManchester United are stepping up their pursuit of the defender despite Branthwaite agreement: reportChelsea beat Manchester United with Crystal Palace and England star, with agreed personal terms: report window.reliableConsentGiven.then(function(){ !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function() {n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)} ;if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=();t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)(0);s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '230404523817416'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); })

Vaseline

Related Articles

Leeds Rhinos announce a major off-field restructure

Bearish outlook remains intact below 159.00

Cornwall Kinsmen Farmers’ Market begins 2024 season

BioMarin: Voxzogo sales growth is not the only driving force in 2024