The club director admits there is a 99% chance they will sell a player United are in pole position for

INEOS is making a strong push into the market this summer, which is anything but usual for Manchester United fans after 19 years of turbulent reign by the Glazers.

There were signs from the outset that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. would do their utmost to sufficiently strengthen the squad after making a £35 million bid for long-time target Jarrad Branthwaite on the first day of the transfer window.

In fact, Everton’s offer was quickly rejected as it was well under their £70 million valuation for the centre-back. But it was somewhat refreshing for fans to see United not overpay for a player straight away.

It remains to be seen whether the club will resort to Branthwaite. At the moment, they have their attention focused on three key targets: Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee, all of whom would significantly strengthen three key positions on the pitch and increase Erik ten Hag’s options for the 2024/2025 season.

An accurate striker is absolutely necessary this summer, ideally one who can take the goalscoring burden off Rasmus Hojlund and assist the 21-year-old as he makes his transition to the Premier League in his second year.

Read more: ‘New contacts’ expected – Club president believes he can ‘convince’ United players to join his club for an important reason

Bologna’s attitude to Zirkzee’s expected departure

Zirkzee, 23, could do just that. The Dutch international came through Bayern Munich’s youth ranks and won the treble with the Bundesliga giants before spending two loan spells at Anderlecht and Parma before signing permanently for Bologna in 2022.

The team’s technical director has now admitted that the likelihood of Zirkzee leaving the club in the coming weeks is incredibly high, largely due to his low release clause of £34 million.

“Joshua Zirkzee has an exit clause in his contract and I believe 99% that he will leave the club,” admitted Giovanni Sartori.

It’s your turn, United.

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