Joshua Zirkzee has already told Man Utd his 'dream' shirt number but Rasmus Hojlund might deny him it

Joshua Zirkzee has already told Manchester United his dream shirt number, according to reports.

It is being widely reported that United have agreed a deal to sign Bologna forward Zirkzee for a fee understood to be just over £35million.

Said fee is thought to be slightly more than the Dutchman’s £33.6million release clause, however, it has reportedly been offered in exchange for more favourable payment terms.

Personal terms have also allegedly been agreed with Zirkzee, who had been representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024. The striker is expected to have a medical this week before signing a five-year contract with the option of a further year.

The 23-year-old netted 12 goals and registered a further seven assists as Bologna qualified for the Champions League last term.

And should he move to United, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has claimed the player hopes to be offered the No.9 shirt, which is available after Anthony Martial’s summer departure.

Naturally, Rasmus Hojlund, who dons the No.9 for Denmark, may also want to have said shirt at United, having worn the No.11 in his first campaign at Old Trafford.

Elsewhere, Sky Sports Germany has claimed that Matthijs de Ligt wants to join United with immediate effect.

Zirkzee had been at the Euros with the Netherlands (Getty)

Talks are said to be advancing between Bayern Munich and United with a verbal agreement on a long-term deal between the player at the Premier League club having already been completed.

The 24-year-old has spent the past two seasons at Bayern Munich, playing 73 times and scoring five goals.

De Ligt also played under United boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax where they won the Eredivisie in 2019 and reached the Champions League semi-final.

Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek has completed a permanent move to La Liga outfit Girona.

The Dutchman struggled in his four years at Old Trafford after moving from Ajax in a £39million deal in September 2020.