Joshua Zirkzee is flying to England TONIGHT ahead of his Man United medical on Friday, with Red Devils to pay MORE than his £34m release clause as they close in on Matthijs de Ligt too

Joshua Zirkzee's transfer to Manchester United has taken a step closer with the Bologna forward flying to England on Thursday night ahead of a medical on Friday.

Instead of meeting his £34million release clause, the Red Devils are set to pay £35.8million for the Netherlands international.

Despite paying £1.8m more than they have to, it means the Old Trafford can pay the fee over three years instead of in one lump sum.

Manchester United are closing in on deals for Zirkzee and Matthijs De Ligt now the Netherlands are out of Euro 2024.

United boss Erik ten Hag has been hoping to get a deal over the line for both of his fellow countrymen as he gets set to begin his third season at Old Trafford.

In total, Zirkzee scored 12 goals and added seven assists in 37 appearances for Bologna as they qualified for the Champions League. 

The 23-year-old has emerged as a key target for United this summer and discussions have been ongoing for several weeks after the former Bayern Munich youngster impressed in Italy last season. 

Zirkzee was introduced off the bench in injury time against England after Ollie Watkins' dramatic late strike, with the forward making his international debut in the quarter-final victory over Turkey. 

He is viewed as having an ideal skill set in attack to complement Rasmus Hojlund, 21, who arrived at the club from Atalanta for £72m last summer. 

Meanwhile, talks have been ongoing with Bayern Munich over a potential £43million transfer for De Ligt, who Ten Hag managed at Ajax, although a deal for the centre back may take until next week as fee details with Bayern are ironed out.

It is understood that De Ligt, who failed to play a minute for the Dutch at Euro 2024, is keen to reunite with Ten Hag.