MANCHESTER UNITED’S quest for Joshua Zirkzee could hinge on whether his agent can secure a deal for his younger brother at AC Milan.
A host of clubs are interested in the Bologna striker, with United, Arsenal and AC Milan all keen to secure his services.
GettyJoshua Zirkzee’s United transfer could be halted if his agent’s demands for his brother are met by AC Milan[/caption]
The Red Devils are said to have ‘forcefully’ entered the race, with boss Erik ten Hag keen to sign his 23-year-old compatriot.
AC Milan have already taken significant steps to sign Zirkzee, and have reportedly agreed personal terms with the striker.
But a stalemate between Zirkzee’s rep and the Serie A side has occurred, after Milan were reportedly asked to pay £12.m in agent fees.
But now that United have entered the race, his agent Kia Joorabchian has come up with an alternative for AC Milan.
Joorabchian will reduce his commission demands if AC Milan agree to sign Zirkzee’s 18-year-old brother Jordan, according to Corriere della Sera.
And this would not be the first time the Rossoneri have involved brothers and relatives to finalise difficult signings.
In 2003, AC Milan legend Kaka was signed from Brazil alongside his younger brother Digao, who was shipped out on various loans.
Likewise, when the club bought goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, they also welcomed the arrival of his brother Antonio in 2013.
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Zirkzee’s younger brother has an expiring contract with Bayer Leverkusen, and would likely be turned over into AC Milan’s Under 23 side.
But it is not yet clear whether Milan will consider this option.
Zirkzee has a buyout clause of around £34m, which is around 10m less than his market value, and United and AC Milan are prepared to pay it.
The 6ft 4ins frontman notched 11 goals and four assists in 34 Serie A matches last season.
He then earned a late-call-up to Holland’s Euro 2024 squad.
It’s claimed Arsenal have also been monitoring him for several months.
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