Manchester United have made an approach for Joshua Zirkzee (Shutterstock)
Joshua Zirkzee’s preference is to remain in Serie A as Manchester United compete with AC Milan to sign the Bologna striker.
United are looking to recruit a new forward following the departure of Anthony Martial and have several candidates on their shortlist, including Zirkzee, Jonathan David, who Lille are willing to sell this summer, and Ivan Toney, who has just a year left on his deal with Brentford.
Zirkzee, meanwhile, is also available due to a €40 million (£33.7m) release clause in his contract with Bologna.
AC Milan have already taken significant steps to sign Zirkzee this summer as they are willing to pay the release clause and have agreed personal terms with the striker.
However, Gazzetta dello Sport reports AC Milan’s move has hit a stumbling block as they are refusing to pay an additional €15m (£12.6m) in commission to Zirkzee’s representative Kia Joorabchian.
The reports adds that despite the impasse, AC Milan are still favourites to sign Zirkzee as the striker wants to stay in Italy and considers another year in Serie A as a key part of his development.
Joshua Zirkzee scored 11 goals for Bologna in Serie A last season (Shutterstock)
United are said to have enquired about Zirkzee but have not held discussions with Bologna over a move.
Zirkzee was forced to cut short his holiday in Florida this month after receiving a late call-up by the Netherlands for their Euro 2024 campaign.
The 23-year-old was on the bench for Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Poland in their Group D opener on Sunday.
When asked about his future in an interview with Corriere Di Bologna last month, Zirkzee said: ‘At the moment my head is only in Bologna.
‘I would choose the best for the club. I will only do what makes sense in my heart.’
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