Joshua Zirkzee: Manchester United 'make first move for Bologna striker as staggering agent demands revealed'

Manchester United have made their first move to sign striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.

The Athletic reports that club-to-club talks have yet to take place but discussions with Zirkzee's agent Kia Joorabchian have. Gianluca Di Marzio claims the former top-level agent wants to be compensated to the tune of €12million (£10m) for sanctioning any deal.

AC Milan were thought to be leading the race, but remain unwilling to Zirkzee’s €40m (£34m) release clause, especially given Joorabcian's demands.

There is no indication that United will cough up what Bologna and Joorabcian wants, Di Marzio adds, but the club have made the strongest move yet for the Netherlands international.

Zirkzee is currently with the Dutch squad at Euro 2024, having been a late call-up to Ronald Koeman’s 26-man squad after injuries to midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners.

The 23-year-old began his career at Feyenoord, before a short spell with Bayern Munich. Loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht led to a €8.5m (£7.2m) move to Bologna in 2022.