Liverpool ready to hijack deal for key Manchester United target

Liverpool could pounce for Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee if Manchester United fail to land him

According to a report from Caught Offside, Liverpool could be about to hijack rivals Manchester United FC’s pursuit of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee this summer.

Manchester United, driven by their Dutch manager Erik ten Hag’s request, have made the Bologna star one of their summer targets. They have made significant progress in their chase of Joshua Zirkzee, 23, who was one of the standout performers in Serie A last term and bagged 16 goal contributions in 34 league outings to help secure surprise Champions League qualification for Bologna.

The Red Devils are yet to agree on personal terms with the Dutch striker, with the £34 million release clause proving no hindrance. However, Joshua Zirkzee is impressed by the extent of the Mancunian club’s interest in him and wants a four to five-year contract.

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Should he fail to agree terms with Man United, Caught Offside claims Zirkzee would become an option for Liverpool. New Liverpool boss Arne Slot is believed to be ‘appreciative’ of his compatriot’s abilities. AC Milan and Arsenal have also shown an interest in signing the 23-year-old this summer, so the Reds could face competition for Zirkzee’s signature if a move to Old Trafford fails to materialise.

Zirkzee has proven his quality for Bologna last season and now wants to grow his career with a move to a bigger club. While talks with Man United appear to have progressed, the 23-year-old’s current focus is undoubtedly at the ongoing European Championships in Germany, even if he is yet to play a single minute for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands so far.

Arne Slot looks to be an admirer of Zirkzee and would be ready to recruit him this summer. However, at the moment, Liverpool are well-stocked in the attacking department. Thus, any potential move for the ex-Bayern Munich youngster largely depends on the futures of Saudi Arabia-linked Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, who is on the radar of Barcelona.

Bologna’s Dutch forward #09 Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Italian Serie A football match between AS Roma and Bologna at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on April 22, 2024. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)

That said, we can provide our arch-rivals with a blow by doing a Cody Gakpo 2.0. Gakpo admitted how close he was to joining Man United in January 2023 before ending up at Liverpool.