Manchester United edge closer to signing Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs De Ligt after Netherlands’ Euro 2024 semi-final defeat by England
- Erik ten Hag wants reinforcements for his third season at Man United
- The Red Devils are on the verge of signing both Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs De Ligt
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Manchester United are set to sign Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt after the Netherlands were forced to withdraw from the 2024 European Championship.
United manager Erik ten Hag hopes the two compatriots can strike a deal as the club enters its third season at Old Trafford.
Talks are ongoing with Bayern Munich over a potential £43m move for De Ligt, who coached Ten Hag at Ajax. However, a deal for the centre-back could not happen until next week as details of the transfer fee with Bayern have yet to be worked out.
De Ligt, who did not play a single minute for the Dutch national team at the 2024 European Championship, is said to be keen to be reunited with Ten Hag.
Meanwhile, Mail Sport reported earlier this week that United are expected to meet Zirkzee’s £34m release fee in the coming days, with talks over a transfer for the Bologna forward at an advanced stage.
Manchester United are close to completing deals for Joshua Zirkzee (left) and Matthijs De Ligt (right)
Erik ten Hag had identified the two Dutch stars as important signings for next season
In total, Zirkzee scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 37 games for Bologna, helping the team qualify for the Champions League.
The 23-year-old is a key candidate for United this summer and has been talked about for several weeks after the former Bayern Munich youngster impressed in Italy last season.
Zirkzee was brought off the bench in injury time against England after a dramatic late goal from Ollie Watkins. The striker made his international debut in the quarter-final against Turkey.
He is seen as a player with the ideal attacking qualities to complement Rasmus Hojlund (21), who joined the club from Atalanta last summer for £72million.