Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'make £17m striker bid' amid Joshua Zirkzee uncertainty

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 10 June 2024

Man Utd 'make £17m striker bid' amid Zirkzee uncertainty

Manchester United reportedly make an approach for a £17m-rated forward amid uncertainty over their efforts to sign Bologna attacker Joshua Zirkzee.

Manchester United have reportedly made an approach for an alternative attacking option to Joshua Zirkzee.

The Red Devils are currently in the process of determining whether they will retain the services of head coach Erik ten Hag, whose position is currently being reviewed.

Nevertheless, the club's footballing operations team are aware they can ill-afford to start their transfer work later than their rivals as they bid to strengthen in several areas before 2024-25.

United are also in a position where they will have to contemplate some shrewd moves in the market to remain on the right side of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

That has seemingly led to United holding an interest in securing a deal for Bologna's Zirkzee, who starred during their Champions League qualification campaign.

Zirkzee, who is said to have a release clause in the region of £34m, chipped in with 11 goals and four assists, and he has allegedly been identified as an option to compete with Rasmus Hojlund.

Sevilla's Youssef En-Nesyri celebrates scoring their second goal on November 29, 2023 © Reuters

Man United move for En Nesyri

However, there have been mixed reports over what Zirkzee intends to do, with remaining at Bologna or a transfer to AC Milan both been suggested.

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, who was commenting on X, United have instead turned their attention to trying to acquire the services of Youssef En Nesyri.

Galetti has indicated that United are interested in agreeing a deal to sign the experienced Morocco international for a fee around the £17m mark.

Furthermore, En Nesyri is interested in securing a switch to Old Trafford having already been linked with other Premier League clubs.

Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri scores their first goal against Portugal on December 7, 2022 © Reuters

What would En Nesyri offer Man United?

Although Sevilla have endured two dismal campaigns in La Liga, the 27-year-old has continued to deliver in the final third, scoring 16 goals from 33 outings in the league during 2023-24.

In five seasons in Seville, En Nesyri has contributed 73 goals from 196 appearances, including 16 strikes in 39 outings in European competitions.

His physicality would also be an obvious bonus to United's forward line, while the player having just a year remaining on his contract is an obvious benefit in negotiations.

A departure looks highly likely courtesy of Sevilla's failure to qualify for Europe, with En Nesyri seemingly ready to take on a new challenge.