AC Milan appear to have identified Manchester United duo Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund as their next transfer targets.
Formerly, the Italian club set its sights on Marcus Rashford for a loan move, with the club reportedly entering advanced talks with the player over a January transfer.
It was later reported that Rashford’s camp did not respond to Milan’s approach, instead favouring a move to FC Barcelona.
It appears as if Milan has not been discouraged by this setback, however, with the club setting its sights on two other Man United forwards.
“Milan continue to be in the market for a forward and sources have said that the club are exploring the possibility of signing one of João Félix, Zirkzee or Højlund,” ESPN reported today.
“Sources have said that the former Benfica and Barcelona forward [João Félix] is Milan’s favoured option after failing to sign Rashford, but there is also interest in Zirkzee and Højlund due to United’s readiness to do deals this month in an effort to bolster coach Ruben Amorim’s squad,” the report continued.
“Sources have said that United would need to sign another forward before allowing either Zirkzee or Højlund to leave on loan, but with Juventus also interested in the pair, the prospect of one of the young strikers leaving Old Trafford this month is realistic, even if Rashford finds a new club,” the article concluded.
Hojlund has struggled to find his form this season, losing his place in the starting 11 to Joshua Zirkzee when United lost 3-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday.
Even after coming on as a substitute in yesterday’s defeat, Hojlund has scored just two goals in 17 Premier League appearances.
Zirkzee has also struggled in front of goal, with just three goals and one assist in 22 league matches.
Poor performances aside, Hojlund and Zirkzee remain the only two strikers at the disposal of United manager Ruben Amorim. This makes it imperative for United to sign another striker should they decide to allow one of these two players to depart for Milan.
With United targeting the likes of Victor Osimhen, it appears that the club is looking to bolster its firepower up front.
United will surely look to act fast in the January transfer market should Zirkzee or Hojlund feel inclined to secure a move to Milan.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
