Agent fees could hinder Dutch star’s transfer to Manchester United

Manchester United are working hard to complete their first transfer of the summer.

The Reds will look at several targets to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad ahead of his third season in charge.

They have already lost players like Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial this summer and more players are expected to join them in leaving the club.

Fans want to see the wage bill reduced and the deadwood sold. Mason Greenwood is expected to be sold, while Jadon Sancho is likely to leave on loan again.

When it comes to targets, United are looking at centre-backs, midfielders and forwards. There is plenty of room for improvement and we’re fully aware that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

One player attracting interest from United has a price tag of £34 million, which has been described as an ‘excellent deal’ by journalist Ben Jacobs.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs provided an update on United and Joshua Zirkzee: “€40 million is seen as an excellent deal, so there’s not going to be a problem for Manchester United in negotiating with Bologna.

“It’s all about working out where the player’s preferences lie and establishing the overall cost of the deal. The agent fees, in particular, are very high. They’re somewhere in the region of €8 million.

“So Manchester United need to work out whether that’s value, but at this stage, the advanced talks are more focused around where Zirkzee really wants to go, Milan or Manchester United.”

The Bologna striker has only spent one season in Italy after joining the Italian outfit from Bayern Munich last summer.

In 34 league matches last season, Zirkzee made 26 goal contributions including 11 goals and four assists. He was voted Serie A Young Player of the Year.

Zirzkee could replace Martial and offer stiff competition as well as support for Rasmus Hojlund.

The move could be hindered by the fees demanding by Zirkzee’s agent, so everything is hanging in the balance for now.

We shouldn’t expect anything to happen until Zirkzee returns from the European Championship in Germany, where he representing Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side.

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