Jose Mourinho can provide Man United welcome transfer boost as agent paves way for £34m arrival

Manchester United are lining up an interesting summer of transfer activity having placed their faith in manager Erik ten Hag.

A worst-ever finish in the Premier League simply must be built on, as a season like that - even if ending in joy with FA Cup triumph - cannot afford to happen again. Rivals are also in the process of building their own projects, so the danger is United get left behind.

Plenty of transfer news, rumours and gossip has floated around Old Trafford in the opening week of the summer window, as it seems players are destined to come both in and out the door in an unpredictable time.

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With that said, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest United news and gossip that has been doing the rounds in the last 24 hours.

Jose Mourinho sets sights on United double swoop

Jose Mourinho is known to dip back into the same pool, more often than not signing players he can trust that he has either worked or shared a background with.

That is why SporX are claiming the new Fenerbahce boss is targeting United duo Casemiro and Victor Lindelof as reinforcements for the Turkish club.

He will have an aim of signing both on a budget, but still holds out hope based on the fact his former club will want to raise money from player sales to fund future spending. Lindelof is reportedly being eyed for €10m (£8.4m), whilst they say Casemiro's current market value is €20m (£16.9m), which would mean the club takes a severe hit on the fee they gave to Real Madrid in 2022.

MEN Sport says: Both players are on the fringes of Ten Hag's squad after performances last season, and both of their positions are the ones requiring most attention in the transfer market this summer. Their exits - albeit at major losses - will free up squad space and wages to be better spent on fresh, youthful talent - Jarrad Branthwaite the immediate name that comes to mind - and United will be back on the front foot rather than wondering what to do with ageing options.

Joshua Zirkzee's agent paves the way for £34m arrival

According to Nick Semeraro, Manchester United are willing to meet the £34m release clause of Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee. Last season as part of Serie A's surprise package Bologna, he netted 11 goals alongside five assists in 34 appearances.

What's more, the journalist claims the player's agent, Kia Joorabchian, would be willing to waive around over £4m in commission fees in order to help secure a transfer to Old Trafford ahead of any other suitor.

AC Milan have reportedly already reached an agreement which includes a £12.5m payout to his agent. He would be willing to take £8m from United, though for now all talks have been put on hold so that Zirkzee can focus on Euro 2024.

MEN Sport says: Zirkzee certainly fits the criteria of many United signings of recent seasons - youthful and proven to be showing promise. To have a player willing to join the club is another thing, desire is key but it must be matched by understanding of the task at hand to play for such a club. Unfortunately, as promising as the striker is, Rasmus Hojlund already occupies this role within Ten Hag's team and instead they should be targeting an established striking option, one with age and experience, to come in with the intention of making an impact whilst nurturing the Red Devils' young Dane.