Ten Hag in talks with striker who reminds boss of Ronaldinho, Man Utd ready to trigger release clause - report

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has held talks with the representatives of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and the player himself in recent days, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Netherlands international is a top target for the Red Devils as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of next season, and they are willing to trigger his €40 million release clause.

Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori has also confirmed that Zirkzee will definitely leave the Serie A club in the coming weeks due to his release clause, which is a huge boost for Man United.

However, the Old Trafford club are not the only side keen on the 23-year-old, with AC Milan also targetting him. Zirkzee is currently at the European Championship with the Netherlands and is only planning on making a decision on his future after their campaign at the tournament.

New Juventus manager and former Bologna boss Thiago Motta dubbed the Man United target ‘’special‘’ last season, claiming he reminded him of his former teammate at Barcelona Ronaldinho.

The former Bayern Munich striker ended last season with 11 goals and four assists in 34 league appearances, helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League.

Zirkzee is also an excellent dribbler who passes well and knows how to thread through balls to those in front of him.

He constantly contributes defensively when his team is not in possession, and those qualities and his roundedness have attracted Man United to him.

Ten Hag has been speaking with summer targets as he has also held talks with Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt over a move, and landing the players on his wishlist will be a massive boost heading into his third season in charge of Man United.