Manchester United are 'closing in on signing £34m-rated Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee - with Red Devils having already agreed personal terms'

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Bologna and Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee. 

Zirkzee caught the eye as he scored 12 goals in all competitions last season, while proving his link up play was also of a high standard as he provided seven assists. 

The Old Trafford club moved ahead of the competition for the signing of the highly-rated 23-year-old, who got his first taste of action in Euro 2024 in the Netherlands' quarter-final win over Turkey. 

According to The Athletic, United have agreed personal terms with forward, whose contract incudes a £34million release clause. However, the outlet report that the club's potential cashflow issues could be an issue with the clause needing to be paid in full. 

Zirkzee has been in high demand this summer with a number of top European clubs circling to lure him away from the Serie A club. 

It was previously reported that AC Milan were front runners for his signature, however in the last week United have moved ahead in the running. 

The youngster helped Bologna qualify for next season's Champions League and performed a crucial function in Thiago Motta's swashbuckling side. 

United need to bolster their attacking options following the departure of Anthony Martial, whose contract was not renewed at the club at the end of last season. 

Zirkzee was a late call-up to the squad - following Frenkie de Jong's injury which ruled him out the competition - and is yet to make an appearance in Germany.

Man United, meanwhile, are also moving closer to signing Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, as they look to bolster their defensive options this summer.

De Ligt, who is also a member of the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024, is keen to work with his old Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

United are ready to offer De Ligt, 24, a five-year contract if they can strike a deal for £42m including add-ons with Bayern Munich, who need the money to sign Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen as his replacement.

United want De Ligt to play on the right side of central defence and have not given up hope of signing Branthwaite to play alongside him on the left if they can sell players to raise the funds.