How England should line up once Tuchel takes charge

Chelsea young guns driving perfect start to post-Hayes era

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

England's biggest winners & losers from the Nations League

Top 25 Serie A players of the 21st century - ranked

Szoboszlai in tears as Netherlands vs Hungary is halted

Ronaldo wants to make Guardiola the Selecao's new boss

Neymar told he’s ‘same level as Messi’ but ‘ruined career’

Why Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad

Rooney sends heartfelt message to Coleen before jungle stint  

Felix dazzles but Ronaldo-less Portugal lack finishers

Ronaldo sets clear timeline for retirement

Is 1,000 goals realistic? Ex-CR7 rival says he’ll ‘get there’

Manchester City

Manchester United

Liverpool

Arsenal

Chelsea

Other

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<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><ul><li>Zirkzee pursued by Man Utd</li><li>Has a €40 million (£33.7m/$42.62m) release clause</li><li>Bologna preparing for life without the striker</li></ul>

Joshua Zirkzee transfer is '99.9%' likely as Man Utd ready to pounce on Bologna star after €40m release clause comes into effect

Premier League

Ipswich

Serie A

Lazio

Bologna

United are in dire need of bolstering their attacking options to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund. The January transfer window saw no additions to Erik ten Hag's squad, increasing the urgency for a summer signing and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/explained-why-clock-is-ticking-on-manchester-united-s-pursuit-of-bologna-striker-joshua-zirkzee/blt8b85fdee9a9af7f1" target="_blank">Zirkzee, courtesy of his impressive performances at Bologna</a>, has emerged as a prime target who has a release clause effective until the beginning of August.

WHAT HAPPENED?

AC Milan appeared to be leading the race for Zirkzee after reaching an agreement with the striker. However, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/manchester-united-joshua-zirkzee-boost-red-devils-close-in-bologna-strikes-ac-milan-pull-out/blt46f660023439fdbb" target="_blank">negotiations faltered over an additional €15 million</a> (£12.6 million/$16m) commission demanded by Zirkzee's agent, Kia Joorabchian. This setback has paved the way for United to swoop in and secure the Dutch striker.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Bologna technical director Sartori said in an interview with Sky Sport Italia on Monday: "Zirkzee has a clause so he will leave 99.9 per cent. We have been thinking about his replacement for months. It won’t be easy but we will work to replace him, we already have some names, some ideas."

WHAT SARTORI SAID

Zirkzee's form at Bologna has caught the attention of several top clubs. Last season, he scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in all competitions, showcasing his potential as a top-tier striker.

DID YOU KNOW?

United have identified several potential signings, with Zirkzee topping the list alongside<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-face-competition-three-premier-league-clubs-lille-star-jonathan-david/blt25bea02f073c31b1" target="_blank"> Lille's Jonathan David</a>. Canadian forward David, who has just one year remaining on his contract with the French club, is another strong candidate to enhance United's forward line. And as Ten Hag gears up for his third season as United manager, the pressure is on to build a squad capable of challenging for top honours. With Anthony Martial departing as a free agent, the need for a reliable striker has never been more pressing.

WHAT NEXT?

Joshua Zirkzee transfer is '99.9%' likely as Man Utd ready to pounce on Bologna star after €40m release clause comes into effect | Goal.com

Manchester United received a major boost as Bologna&apos;s Giovanni Sartori believes Joshua Zirkzee, with a €40m exit clause, is &quot;99.9%&quot; likely to leave.

Joshua Zirkzee transfer is &apos;99.9%&apos; likely as Man Utd ready to pounce on Bologna star after €40m release clause comes into effect