Erik ten Hag has now made direct contact with 'powerful' £34m star - Gianluca Di Marzio

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spoken directly with Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee over a potential transfer, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

Zirkzee has been identified as one of the ‘most important targets’ to strengthen the squad and Ten Hag has now made contact with the 23-year-old ace.

United appear willing to pay his £34 million release clause and £13m agent commission, but the Dutch striker has yet to make a decision over his future.

AC Milan also consider him as a top target, but they face a main obstacle with the commission.

United front-runners to sign Zirkzee from Bologna

The former Bayern Munich man had a good second season at Bologna. He managed 19 goal contributions from 37 appearances in all competitions.

He was a regular from the number nine role and caught the eye with his hold-up play, chance creation and ability to glide past opponents with his quick dribbling.

His shot-to-goal conversion rate was not the best at 13 percent, but he was fantastic with his clever distribution, creating 11 big chances – the fourth most in Serie A.

Zirkzee is a modern striker with good distribution skills. The Dutchman should provide quality competition to Rasmus Hojlund for the centre-forward position.

Zirkzee, who has been described as a ‘powerful‘ striker by Bayern II manager Holger Seitz, currently has an ultimatum from Bologna. They require a definitive answer this week.

The Serie A outfit have lined up a potential replacement for him. He needs to decide whether to stay or move on. United look clear favourites to land his signature.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com