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<ul><li>Zirkzee linked with Man Utd exit </li><li>Ex-United director backed to play role in pursuit</li><li>Forward is club's 'midsummer dream' transfer</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Joshua Zirkzee exit? Ex-Man Utd director may play key role in 'midsummer dream' transfer

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Manchester United

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<p>Following reports of Atalanta showing interest in United forward Zirkzee, <a href="https://sport.quotidiano.net/calcio/atalanta/lo-scacchiere-dellatalanta-per-rinforzare-3851be67?live" target="_blank">Quotidiano Sportivo</a> claim the Dutchman is the Serie A side's 'midsummer dream'. The report adds that former Red Devils football director John Murtough, who <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/man-utd-former-football-director-john-murtough-job-italy-rival-scott-mctominay/blt951d93ea3ff41b9e" target="_blank">joined the Italian team in April</a>, can play a 'key role' in negotiations, with potential dealings likely to be less complex with him around.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Zirkzee<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/joshua-zirkzee-man-utd-bologna-gbp36m-transfer-old-trafford-ineos/blt7ea32762eb03c836" target="_blank"> joined United from Bologna</a> last summer for £36.5 million ($49m) but speculation has risen that they may cut their losses and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/joshua-zirkee-inter-loan-option-struggling-man-utd-forward/bltd051e6f8c289d949" target="_blank">try and cash in on the Netherlands international</a>. The report adds that if Atalanta sell star player Ademola Lookman, then they may increase their efforts to sign the 24-year-old.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Zirkzee, who scored just seven goals in 49 games for United last season, is reportedly valued at €35m (£30m) by United. Moreover, his €5m a year wages may put off Atalanta. But as the two teams have a good relationship, following deals for Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund, that could help in negoatiations.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>The 6ft 4in Zirkzee still has four years left on his Old Trafford contract so if United do sell him, they will not let him go on the cheap. For now, the big forward is preparing for next season as Ruben Amorim's side try to put last term behind them.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Joshua Zirkzee exit? Ex-Man Utd director may play key role in 'midsummer dream' transfer | Goal.com

A former Manchester United director has been backed to play an important role in a possible pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee.

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