Manchester United are interested in striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to German publication Sport1, who claims he is more interested than Serhou Guirassy.

Zirkzee, 22, is now playing for Bologna, where he has eight goals and two assists in 18 games this season.

He began his career at Bayern Munich, where he scored four goals before moving permanently to Bologna in 2022.

After only scoring twice for Bologna last season, Zirkzee is finding his stride and resembling the player who scored 18 goals on loan at Anderlecht in 2021/22.

Zirkzee, who is only 22 years old, is a player with great promise who has the chance to be a complete striker.

“Zirkzee is better than Erling Haaland at everything,” stated Souleyman Ozturk, a Voetbal International reporter, last summer.

“You might be surprised by this statement. But I’m going to frame it. (Zirkzee) possesses vision, technique, strength, charm, flair, and footballing talent. As a result, he outperforms Haaland in practically every aspect.

“Imagine if Zirkzee had Haaland’s energy and focus. He’d be the best striker in the world.”

Former Italy striker Marco di Vaio has worked with Zirkzee at Bologna and believes he has taken the crucial next step this season.

TMW cited Di Vaio as saying, “This year Joshua has made a good mental step and in every match he shows his quality.” Every day, I tell him to keep scoring goals and to maintain the positive mindset that is required for growth.”

Former Italy international Francesco ‘Ciccio’ Graziani was quoted by Bologna Sport News as saying, “Technically he is very good and has shown that he sees the goal.” In Zirkzee, I seem to see the Dutch Dennis Bergkamp: someone whose skill made your eyes glow.”

Bayern may be less interested in signing Zirkzee now that they already have prolific striker Harry Kane up front, and the Dutchman will not see the scenario as any more tempting than when his way was blocked by Robert Lewandowski.

Manchester United should consider this alternative.

The release clause makes Manchester United’s duty relatively simple, given there is a cap on how much Zirkzee will cost.

Zirkzee, 22, is a young striker with a demonstrated talent to score goals who has already played for a big club, Bayern Munich, where he has scored wins.

He may replace Anthony Martial on an equal footing with Rasmus Hojlund, sharing goal-scoring duties.