Manchester United transfer target prefers move to Italian giants - Reports
Manchester United target Joshua Zirkzee prefers to join AC Milan over the Premier League giants, as per Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto. The two journalists were on a WatchPlayback stream when they discussed the future of the Dutch forward.
The two journalists stated that AC Milan have not given up on signing the forward despite reports. They acknowledged that Manchester United were now in the running, but knew that the striker prefers a move to San Siro.
"Milan have not given up on him and it’s also true that EURO 2024 he extended the time a bit. Just as it is also true that Manchester United have been informed, but it is not closed. The Rossoneri are still ahead. On Manchester United, they inquired about the costs of the Zirkzee operation, but also took information on other strikers and are aware that Joshua’s priority is the Diavolo. United are looking for a striker to partner with Hojlund, but they know about the Dutchman’s priority," they said on the stream (via sempremilan).
Reports suggest Zirkzee's agent will demand a significant fee in addition to the €40 million release clause that needs to be paid to Bologna.
Manchester United told to sign EURO 2024 star over Joshua Zirkzee by former player
Dwight Yorke is not happy with Manchester United getting linked with Joshua Zirkzee. The former Red Devils striker stated that the links are baffling as they need an experienced star and not another youngster.
Speaking to Best Payouts Oline Slot (via Metro), the former striker claimed that Manchester United should target Niclas Fullkrug, who has been doing well for Germany at EURO 2024. He added that there is a need for players with the right mentality at Old Trafford.
"Names like Joshua Zirkzee being linked to Man United is baffling. They need a player who can definitely score goals and knows how to play in the Premier League. Why would you need 23-year-old Zirkzee, when you have 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund already at the club? Erik ten Hag needs an experienced man at striker alongside Hojlund, as he obviously struggled towards the end of last season," Yorke said.
Yorke also stated that Rasmus Hojlund could come under intense scrutiny if he fails to deliver in his second season with the club.
"Niclas Fullkrug is one of those experienced strikers who has been smashing in the goals lately. But, he needs to be the right character. To be at Man United, you need to show resilience and not a weak mentality, that’s what Sir Alex Ferguson was good at finding. That’s why I think Hojlund needs to grow up very quickly, the honeymoon period is over for him and if he doesn’t hit the ground running next season, he will come under a lot of scrutiny. You have to be a man to play at Man United," he added.
Apart from Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils have been linked with the Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion and Ivan Toney of Brentford. They were also in the race to sign Michael Olise, but the Frenchman has reportedly opted to join Bayern Munich.