Manchester United 'accelerate Joshua Zirkzee bid' after £12m compromise for Dan Ashworth's first transfer deal

Manchester United are stepping up their bid to sign Joshua Zirkzee, according to reports in the Italian media.

The Bologna striker is available this summer for a £34million release clause and is said to be a major target for United and AC Milan.

One key sticking point to the deal has been claims of Zirkzee’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, wanting a £12m agent fee for his role in negotiations which Milan in particular have balked at.

However, according to Corriere di Bologna, United and new sporting director Dan Ashworth are intent on completing the transfer and will pay Joorabchian’s fee to make it happen.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is described as a key figure in driving the club’s interest in Zirkzee.

Bologna technical director Riccardo Sartori said on Monday evening that he expects Zirkzee to leave, in contrast to his hopes of keeping sought-after defender Riccardo Calafiori.

“I have known the market for many years and I believe there is a strong possibility that he could leave,” he admitted to Sky Sports.

“He is a great player and attackers are highly sought-after.

“We've been thinking about it for months because replacing him will be very difficult, but we'll try. We have a few names and we'll work to replace him.”

Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis is said to have been identified by Bologna as their ideal replacement ahead of playing in the Champions League next season.