Manchester United set to sign Joshua Zirkzee and up Jarrad Branthwaite bid

Manchester United are closing in on signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna after terms with the striker and his agent’s commission were agreed. The club are deliberating over whether to trigger the Netherlands international’s €40m (£34m) release clause or negotiate a higher fee that would allow payments by instalments.

Erik ten Hag is also targeting the centre-backs Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt, and cashflow is an issue for United. So having the funds to operate in the market is a balancing act reliant in part on outgoings that would draw finance from fees and the removal of salaries.

On Monday night United lodged a second bid of £45m plus £5m add-ons for Everton’s Branthwaite. This followed last month’s offer of £35m plus £10m add-ons. Yet as this is a material increase of only £5m and the Merseyside club price the 21-year-old defender in the region of £60m-70m, United’s offer may be rejected. If so the club may return with a third and possibly final bid.

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Due to the financial limitations United will only be able to sign both Branthwaite and De Ligt if one or both of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf depart.

United have £40m-£60m before any sales so payment of Zirkzee’s release clause as a lump sum could hamper their ability to pursue other transfers. A decision on the best course of action is being considered by the football department, led by Dan Ashworth, who recently started work as the sporting director.

Ten Hag wants Zirkzee, who operates primarily as a centre-forward, to offer competition to Rasmus Højlund. Zirkzee is 6ft 3in, started his professional career at Bayern Munich and played 17 times for them in three seasons, during which he was loaned to Parma and Anderlecht, before moving to Bologna in August 2022.

Zirkzee made his Netherlands debut in Saturday’s 2-1 Euro 2024 quarter-final win over Turkey as an 87th-minute substitute. He is keen to join United.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will become part of Ten Hag’s coaching staff once the former United striker is granted a visa. He was photographed driving into the club’s Carrington training centre on Monday, the opening day of pre-season for players who have not participated in the European Championship or Copa América. He will not be involved until he gets a visa and is expected to coach the forwards.

• This article was corrected on 9 July 2024 to remove a reference to Zirkzee having scored 79 goals in 178 appearances