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Manchester United are determined to get back to the creme de la creme of European football under new minority owners INEOS. Manager Erik ten Hag is working on his plans for the summer as he aims to upgrade his squad ahead of the new season.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are edging closer to securing the services of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. Elsewhere, the English giants are interested in Lille defender Leny Yoro.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 8, 2024:
Manchester United a step away from Joshua Zirkzee, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are very close to securing a move for Joshua Zirkzee, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Ten Hag is looking to add a new focal point to his attack following an indifferent 2023-24 campaign.
Zirkzee has been identified as the ideal candidate for the job following an impressive season with Bologna. The 23-year-old scored 12 goals and set up seven in 37 games across competitions, turning heads at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils invested heavily on Rasmus Hojlund last summer, but the 21-year-old isn't the finished material yet. With Anthony Martial gone, Ten Hag wants someone to share the goalscoring burden with the Danish ace. The manager has identified his compatriot Zirkzee as the ideal candidate for the job.
On his YouTube channel, Romano added that the Premier League giants have reached an agreement with the player's camp.
"There have been a couple of really important days for Joshua Zirkzee. Manchester United are getting everything ready to make a deal work, and now we can say that Joshua Zirkzee is really one step away from becoming a new Manchester United player," said Romano.
He continued:
"It is expected to happen, it's expected to take place in the next days because Manchester United have an agreement with Joshua Zirkzee. Contract length, salary, all of the details of the contract - so they have the green light of the player."
Romano added that Manchester United are now preparing to trigger Zirkzee's €40 million release clause.
"For Zirkzee, there is also an agreement on the commissions for the agent of the player, Kia Joorabchian, who has an excellent relationship with Manchester United - so they agreed on the terms of the player's side," said Romano.
He concluded:
"Now, Manchester United are prepared to inform Bologna of their intention to pay the €40 million (£34 million) release clause - and then Zirkzee will become the new Manchester United player in the next days."
Zirkzee was also wanted by AC Milan, but it appears that the Red Devils have won the race for his services.
Red Devils eyeing Leny Yoro, says David Ornstein
Manchester United remain interested in Leny Yoro, according to reputed journalist David Ornstein. The French defender is in the final year of his contract with Lille and is expected to be on the move this year.
Yoro has become a sought-after man this summer following a superb 2023-24 campaign with the French side. The 18-year-old registered 44 appearances across competitions, all but four of which were starts.
Ten Hag has been forced into the market for a new defender following the departure of Raphael Varane. The manager has apparently identified Matthijs de Ligt as an option and wants him at Old Trafford this summer.
However, the Red Devils could sign another defender amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Harry Maguire. While Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is a target, Ornstein has said that United haven't given up on Yoro yet.
The French defender is wanted at Real Madrid this summer, but United also remain hot on his heels right now.
Adrien Rabiot yet to agree deal with Juventus, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United have received a boost in their efforts to sign Adrien Rabiot this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, the French midfielder is yet to agree a new deal with Juventus.
Rabiot has become a free agent following the expiry of his contract with the Bianconeri this summer. The Serie A giants are locked in talks to secure his services, but their efforts haven't been fruitful so far.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag is in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer, with Casemiro likely to leave. Christian Eriksen and Scot McTominay remain heavily linked with exits. Ten Hag could be tempted to move for Rabiot, who has all the attributes to complement Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano added that the 29-year-old is unlikely to sign a new deal in Turin.
"Let's see if some other clubs will try to enter the race. Because as of now, Rabiot is still not extending his contract at Juventus, so it could be a big opportunity," said Romano.
He continued:
"At the moment, I'm not aware of anything advanced or in concrete stages yet, but in general, I think for many clubs, it could be a big possibility, because, as I mentioned at the moment, it looks unlikely for him to stay at Juventus and sign the deal."
Rabiot appeared 35 times across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring five goals and setting up four.
