United shortlist 22 y/o treble winner with 12 G/A this season in a bid to ease goalscoring burden on Rasmus Hojlund

BOLOGNA, ITALY - DECEMBER 23: Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC reacts during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and Atalanta BC at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on December 23, 2023 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Manchester United have reportedly begun targeting Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee for a potential January approach, as per the Metro.

Speculation has already suggested that Erik ten Hag is keen on adding another centre-forward in an attempt to ease the goalscoring burden on young Rasmus Hojlund; the 20-year-old hit the ground running in the Champions League with a remarkable five group-stage goals but endured a tedious 14-game wait before opening his Premier League account.

The arrival of Hojlund saw Anthony Martial’s game-time decrease significantly, with him being limited to just five league starts so far this season. His contract is set to expire in June 2024 and as it stands, United have no plans of offering him a fresh deal, meaning he’ll likely depart Old Trafford for free when the campaign ends.

Reds eyeing Zirkzee pursuit

Zirkzee, 22, has notched eight goals and four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions thus far in 2023/24. He spent five years with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and progressed from their youth ranks to the senior setup, going on to win the treble in 2020, as well as the DFL-Supercup and UEFA Super Cup.

Now, the Dutch international is plying his trade with the Serie A outfit, where he’s been granted increased minutes and a more influential role in the first-team.

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