Man Utd transfer news: Joshua Zirkzee move '99% likely' as Amrabat hint dropped

The wheels are turning at Manchester United as the summer transfer window gets into full swing.

After months of fraught negotiations with Newcastle, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has finally got his hands on highly-rated sporting director Dan Ashworth and the former FA chief is set to play a key role in recruitment. So too will Christopher Vivell, who's set to be appointed on a short-term basis to help with identifying players, having previously worked at Chelsea and within the Red Bull football network.

But it's arrivals on the pitch who'll truly excite United fans, with Ratcliffe yet to make his first signing since investing £1.3billion in the club and acquiring a 27.7 per cent stake. Fortunately for Red Devils supporters, it doesn't seem like they'll have to wait long.

Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news from Old Trafford.

Zirkzee exit '99%' likely - Bologna chief

Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori has admitted that star striker Joshua Zirkzee is '99.9 per cent' certain to leave the club this summer amid serious interest from Manchester United. Zirkzee, 23, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford and United are being tipped to pay his €40million (£33.7m) release clause.

The Dutchman's club, who'll be in the Champions League next season, are already braced for his departure, though, as Sartori told Sky Sport Italia on Monday: "Zirkzee has a clause so he will leave 99.9 per cent. We have been thinking about his replacement for months. It won't be easy but we will work to replace him, we already have some names, some ideas."

United drop Amrabat hint

Manchester United have shared an image of Sofyan Amrabat in the club's new kit for the 2024-25 season, prompting supporters to presume that the midfielder is staying at Old Trafford permanently. Amrabat, 28, spent last season on loan at United from Italian side Fiorentina, who have him under contract for another 12 months.

Although the Morocco international's loan spell was largely underwhelming, his strong end to the campaign and good performance in the FA Cup final against Manchester City gave fans pause. Now in the player profile section of United's website, which has been updated to remove Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane following their exits, Amrabat can be seen wearing their new strip.

Heatons signs new deal

Tom Heaton has agreed a new one-year contract with boyhood club Manchester United. The 38-year-old goalkeeper returned to Old Trafford three years ago as third-choice under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he's since made three appearances; one in his first season, two in his second and none last term.

Heaton is currently away with England at Euro 2024 as the Three Lions' designated training goalkeeper. United remain in talks with Jonny Evans over a similar contract extension after the defender's previous deal expired on June 30.