"Expected to be completed in the next days" – Fabrizio Romano claims Serie A star is 'one step away' from completing Manchester United move

Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee is close to sealing a permanent switch to Manchester United, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Since finishing eighth in the 2023-24 Premier League standings, United have been on the lookout for a new number nine. They have been keeping tabs on Zirkzee for quite a while and have also been linked with other strikers like Jonathan David and Benjamin Sesko.

However, Romano has asserted that Manchester United's pursuit of a striker could soon come to an end. He elaborated on his YouTube channel (h/t X/@mufcMPB):

"Joshua Zirkzee is one step away from becoming a new Manchester United player! The transfer is expected to be completed in the next days. 'Here we go' is expected soon!"

Earlier last week, Romano claimed that Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is in contact with the Dutch attacker. He told Kick Off (h/t Pianeta Milan):

"Ten Hag has renewed his contract with Manchester United and calls Zirkzee almost every day. United are thinking very hard about it. At the moment, they still don't have the definitive green light for the operation, but Zirkzee is one of the names on the list."

Shedding more light on the potential deal, the Italian journalist added:

"For United to spend £34 million in release clause plus all the additional costs, which are more complicated for [Italian] clubs, is certainly not a feat. The Red Devils are certainly the favorite team today. AC Milan are still there, but the only way to close this operation for Milan is if the player's agent gives up on his requests."

Zirkzee, whose current deal is set to expire in June 2026, scored 12 goals and laid out seven assists in 37 outings for Bologna past term.

Ex-Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt makes transfer decision amidst Manchester United rumors

In his Daily Briefing column for Caught Offside, Fabrizio Romano offered a positive update on the Red Devils' pursuit of Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt. He wrote (h/t GiveMeSport):

"There's still no substantial update but negotiations are ongoing, and going well. De Ligt has only approved United as the club are in talks with his agent. I'm not aware of contacts with any other clubs now, despite some rumors about [Paris Saint-Germain] PSG."

Should De Ligt move to Manchester United in the near future, he would emerge as a vital starter alongside Lisandro Martinez in their defence.

De Ligt, 24, registered eight goals and five assists in 70 overall outings under Erik ten Hag during their time at Ajax between 2017 and 2019.