Manchester United 'trigger Joshua Zirkzee release clause' as first major Dan Ashworth signing imminent

Manchester United have informed Bologna of their intention to trigger Joshua Zirkzee’s €40million (£33.8m) release clause.

United have in recent hours reportedly made significant progress on their key striker target. One key sticking point to the deal was the demands of Zirkzee's agent, Kia Joorabchian, who wanted a €12m (£10m) fee for brokering the deal.

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According to The Athletic, United have agreed to pay Joorabchian a €10m (£8.45m) fee and have subsequently reached an agreement with Zirkzee over personal terms.

The progress comes within days of new sporting director Dan Ashworth's arrival after a months-long standoff with former club Newcastle.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported soon after that United had informed Bologna of the agreements with both player and agent, with the next step was either triggering Zirkzee's release clause or negotiating a different deal structure with the club.

However, fellow Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio minutes later reported that United would bypass any negotiations with Bologna in favour of paying the release clause.

All that is left now is for Zirkzee, who is still at Euro 2024 with Netherlands, to undergo a medical and become the first major signing of the summer at Old Trafford.

A deal could be completed in days.