Manchester United interested in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee this winter, according to a report by Sport1.

The 22-year-old has scored eight goals this season, already quadrupling his return from his debut season with his current club.

The German source claims that Man Utd have elevated the former Bayern Munich prospect up their shortlist of centre-forward targets.

However, it is unlikely that they will be able to invest in a ready-made, world-class option in January. Instead, they are searching for lower-profile reinforcements.

Zirkzee could be available for a fee in the region of €35m-€40m, which equates to between £30.4m and £34.8m. One complication is that Bayern not only have a buyback clause worth €22m (£19.1m), but also a 50% sell-on clause and the right to match any offers that arrive to Bologna.

Thanks to the impact of Harry Kane since his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur over the summer, though, Bayern have little need to welcome Zirkzee back after his previous spell in the shadows of Robert Lewandowski.

They will no doubt be observing the situation with interest, but Zirkzee’s next step away from Bologna will likely be for a completely fresh challenge, such as coming to the Premier League for the first time.