Manchester United are now set to sign a £34million striker who looks like Antoine Griezmann

With that in mind, it’s a little concerning that Manchester United have yet to make much progress on a signing with so much work to do.

But with the window not even open a week, there are signs that the right players are being targeted this summer. Now one looks likely to be the subject of an auction.

Manchester United are now preparing a bid for Joshua Zirkzee

As June heads into the second half, Manchester United remain without signs, although they have not gone through a trial.

Ineos have already seen bids rejected, first for Joao Neves and more recently for Jarrad Branthwaite. But now it has been reported that a striker is next on the list to try to tick it off.

The Daily Mail have reported that interest in Joshua Zirkzee is strong as talks continue and United are even preparing to make a bid for the Bologna striker, who has a £33.7m release clause.

United will face competition from Arsenal and AC Milan with the Red Devils in a strong position thanks to positive negotiations. That said, an auction is not considered imminent, but is expected at some point.

United may be waiting for sales such as Mason Greenwood to take place to secure an attacking addition when defense is the priority.

The need for a striker this summer is not at all easy given the work Hojlund did last season, as he actually ended up with a very strong 16-goal return.

He is expected to start next season, but with Anthony Martial leaving on a free, the main need is for a striker to share the load with Hojlund and offer something a little different.

In Zirkzee, United would have just that, as despite being a 1.8m 4in footballer, he is far more technical than Hojlund and can be compared to Antoine Griezmann – a United player who was close to signing in 2017 until he joined Atletico when their transfer ban was upheld.

On FBRef, Griezmann is the fourth most similar player to Zirkzee, with Matheus Cunha – another United target this summer in second place – and it’s clear why.

The pair boast similar qualities and habits on the pitch and we’re inclined to think that Zirkzee is the perfect alternative to Hojlund and is likely a player that Ten Hag will love to use.

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