Manchester United are closing in on signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna after terms with the striker and his agent’s commission were agreed. The club are deliberating over whether to trigger the Netherlands international’s €40m (£34m) release clause or negotiate a higher fee that would allow payments by instalments.
Erik ten Hag is also targeting the centre-backs Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt, and cashflow is an issue for United. So having the funds to operate in the market is a balancing act reliant in part on outgoings that would draw finance from fees and the removal of salaries.
