Manchester United 'now above all' in race for big January transfer window signing

Manchester United are being tipped to secure a January deal ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first transfer window since his partial takeover of the club was rubberstamped.

United are in desperate need of firepower, with Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial having so far failed to find the net on a regular basis for Erik ten Hag's side this season, while Amad Diallo is still stepping up his recovery from injury.

The Red Devils recently announced that INEOS boss Ratcliffe has acquired a 25% minority stake in the club and the boyhood United fan is expected to heavily invest in the football club.

According to reports in Italy carried by Sport Witness, United are now 'above all' in leading the race for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee next month.

The 22-year-old forward has scored eight goals and registered four assists so far this season and is attracting attention from other clubs in Europe, including former club Bayern Munich.

Thomas Tuchel's side did sell Zirkzee to the Italian outfit back in August 2022 and are said to have a £40 million buy-back clause including in his current deal.

Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio has told Gazzetta dello Sport that the forward's current contract clause only aids the Bundesliga giants in something of a hurdle for United to overcome in any negotiations.

“It only applies to Bayern [of €40m], articulated. For other clubs, the price is free [to negotiate]” he said.

Joshua Zirkzee has impressed for Bologna. (Image: Getty)

Zirkzee began his career in Holland with VV Hekelingen, before eventually moving on to Feyenoord. He moved to the Allianz Arena in 2017 but failed to break into the first-team.

The 22-year-old has also recently been asked about his future, stating how helping Bologna back to the top is of the upmost priority.

"The road is long and you have to work hard every day," he said.

"If you ask me what I prefer between making Bologna great or going to play for a big club soon, I tell you that the right choice is making Bologna great. Then we’ll see.”