Man Utd transfer target Joshua Zirkzee ‘will 99.9% leave this summer’ says Bologna director as Red Devils continue talks

BOLOGNA have confirmed that Manchester United target Joshua Zirkzee is “99.9 per cent certain to leave” the club this summer.

The Dutch striker, 23, has enjoyed a fine season with his Italian side.

Zirkzee netted 12 goals in 37 games as Bologna finished fifth in Serie A.

And he is currently with Holland’s squad for Euro 2024, although he is yet to make an appearance for Ronald Koeman’s team.

But that hasn’t stopped United from heading up a queue of suitors including AC Milan.

The Red Devils are keen to strengthen after Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to stick with Erik ten Hag.

He is now on the verge of penning a long-term contract at Old Trafford.

And Ten Hag wants to make compatriot Zirkzee one of his first signings this summer — along with Dutch defender and Bayern Munich ace Matthijs de Ligt.

The hitman has a £34million release clause in his Bologna contract.

And sporting director Giovanni Sartori admits Zirkzee is virtually guaranteed to leave because of it, despite warning the clause does have an expiry date.

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He said: “For Zirkzee there is a clause, and I believe that he will 99.9 per cent leave this summer.

“Knowing the market, there is a big chance he will go. He is a great player and strikers are always highly sought after.

“We have been working on a replacement for months, we have looked a lot.

“We will work on it, it will not be easy to replace him, we will try to be ready ourselves.

“We do not dictate timing but the player, having this clause, is free to leave until the expiry date.

“It will not be easy to keep him, he is among the best players in Europe. The clause is high but there are teams that can afford it.

“I would say 99.9 per cent he will leave us and we will have to replace him.”