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Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League in the 2023-24 campaign, 31 points behind champions Manchester City. However, Erik ten Hag ended the season with a bang, beating City at the Wembley to lift the FA Cup.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have entered the race to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee this summer. Elsewhere, the Premier League giants have offered £25 million for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on June 19, 2024:
Manchester United enter Joshua Zirkzee race
Manchester United have enquired about Joshua Zirkzee, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Bologna striker is a sought-after man this summer thanks to an impressive 2023-24 campaign.
Zirkzee scored 12 goals and set up seven in 37 appearances across competitions. The Red Devils invested heavily in Rasmus Hojlund last summer and now want to bring in a new face to share the goalscoring load with the Dane.
The Dutchman reportedly has a €40 million release clause in his contract, which makes him an affordable option this summer. Recent reports suggest that AC Milan are a step away from signing the 23-year-old, but Romano insists that is not the case.
In his column for Caught Offside, the transfer guru added that the Rossoneri are struggling to reach an agreement on agent commissions.
“Manchester United have now made an enquiry – it’s not advanced, still early stages, but Man United are informed on Zirkzee deal details since last week. They’ve asked for information on the release clause details and potential salary package," wrote Romano.
He continued:
"AC Milan have agreed on personal terms and they want to pay the (€40m release) clause, but they’ve still no agreement with his agent on commission. Let’s see if Man United will really decide to enter and start concrete talks."
He concluded:
“So, United wanted to be informed, as Zirkzee is one of the options they’re considering, though not the only one. It’s something they are discussing internally at Man United as they wait to decide who is their top target for the new striker.
"It’s not an advanced negotiation as of yet, but Zirkzee is under consideration by people at the club.”
The Red Devils struggled in the final third in the 2023-24 campaign, managing just 57 goals in 38 games, the lowest among the top-10 in the league.
Red Devils offer £25 million for Fermin Lopez
Manchester United want to bring Fermin Lopez to Old Trafford this summer, according to SPORT. The Spanish midfielder was on fire for Barcelona in the 2023-24 campaign, registering 11 goals and one assist in 43 games across competitions.
His efforts have turned heads at Old Trafford, with the club keen to revamp their midfield ahead of the new campaign. Casemiro is likely to leave this summer, while Christian Eriksen's future isn't set in stone either. Erik ten Hag is looking for solutions in the market, and Lopez has popped up on his radar.
The Red Devils have already offered £25 million for the 21-year-old, but their proposal was swiftly rejected by the Blaugrana. The La Liga giants are not actively looking to offload Lopez but could be open to a deal as they look to address their financial issues.
The report adds that the Premier League giants could reach a breakthrough if they decide to return with an improved offer. However, new manager Hansi Flick may not be too keen to part ways with the youngster without assessing him in pre-season.
Fenerbahce want Victor Lindelof
Fenerbahce are planning a move for Victor Lindelof this summer, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Swedish defender is a forgotten man at Manchester United and remains linked with an exit this summer.
The Red Devils are already looking for defensive reinforcements following Raphael Varane's exit. Lindelof isn't part of Ten Hag's plans and could be allowed to leave for a proper fee. The 29-year-old's contract expires in 2025, but he's unlikely to be offered a new deal.
Fenerbahce are offering Lindelof a chance at regular football, and a move could materialise this summer. Should the Swede end his stay at Old Trafford, Manchester United will sign two new defenders this year.
