Man Utd make contact with prolific Zirkzee alternative

Tom Weber

Updated: 19 Jun 2024 21:48 BST
4 min read

Manchester United have made contact with Jonathan David's camp, according to a report.

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Man Utd are in for a big summer transfer window, though things have thus far not panned out quite as expected. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a minority stake was supposed to make the Red Devils shrewder and more ruthless in the market, but they have been slow to get their business kickstarted.

A lot of it has been down to the fact that it took them more than two weeks to come to a decision on the future of manager Erik ten Hag, ultimately opting to keep him. Though there is now finally clarity, valuable time has been lost, with Chelsea stealing a march on them in the chase for top target Michael Olise.

Additionally, Man Utd have been unable to agree a quick deal with Newcastle for Dan Ashworth, who is supposed to head up the Red Devils' restructured recruitment department and they are once more operating on a tight budget, which has now put them at risk of missing out on Everton wonderkid Jarrad Branthwaite.

With Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo also out of reach due to UEFA regulations prohibiting moves between sides who share an owner and compete in the same competition, in this case the Europa League, Man Utd are realising that they need to have a Plan A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

Man Utd's Zirkzee alternative

United are not only keen on a winger and a centre-back but also on a striker. Having already been snubbed by RB Leipzig hotshot Benjamin Sesko, the Red Devils have begun looking at Bologna sensation Joshua Zirkzee.

However, the Dutchman has been very close to joining AC Milan for some time and Man Utd are facing a race against time to hijack the deal, though it seems that they have been making good progress in talks with the player's camp.

STATS

Jonathan David

F (CRL)

Lille

Jonathan David

F (CRL)

Lille

49

Games
27

Goals
8

Assists

Nevertheless, they are also looking at potential alternatives, with i news now reporting that Man Utd have made contact with Lille striker Jonathan David, who is expected to depart the Ligue 1 side this summer.

Lille president Olivier Letang announced last week that David and fellow Man Utd target Leny Yoro would be allowed to leave the club due to only having a year left on their contracts.

It is claimed that David could be available for less than Zirkzee's €40 million release clause, which potentially makes him a more attractive option for the cash-strapped Mancunians, but they face competition from several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham.

Read more about: Serie A, Ligue 1, Premier League, Bologna, Lille, Man Utd, Jonathan David, Joshua Zirkzee