Man United 'extremely confident' of key signing with £85m star's transfer a 'strong possibility'

Manchester United have not made a signing in the summer transfer window so far. The Reds have been linked with a number of players but are yet to get any deals officially done and over the line.

Transfers could accelerate now that the protracted deal for former Newcastle man Dan Ashworth to become their new technical director has been confirmed. Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen his squad and United are set to back him - albeit on a tight budget - with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to continue his overhaul of the club. That does include the non-playing staff, with 250 employees to be made redundant as part of his restructure process.

As the transfer window nears towards the start of pre-season, more movement is expected. 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.

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Selling Maguire

Selling Harry Maguire is a 'strong possibility' for United this summer, according to TEAMtalk. United have already said goodbye to Raphael Varane and are expected to oversee the exit of another centre-back this summer. It is understood that one of Victor Lindelof or Maguire will be sold.

Lindelof has entered the final year of his current deal, as has Maguire, but there is a one-year extension option in the latter's contract. It is claimed that United are 'willing' to let Maguire go for the right price, with a number of Premier League clubs linked as well as potential options abroad.

MEN Sport says: "United are set to sign a new centre-back this summer with both Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt linked, which is likely to mean someone else is sold. Maguire is someone that could be sacrificed, but having lost Varane already, United need experience at the back.

"It remains to be seen whether Jonny Evans will stay and sign a new contract, but United could do no wrong by keeping Maguire on board as he still a useful asset when used correctly. He impressed when handed a consistent run in the side last season and should be kept ahead of Lindelof, for example, if United have to sell one."

Zirkzee latest

Sticking with TEAMtalk, United are said to be 'extremely confident' of signing Bologna attacker Joshua Zirkzee this summer. The striker is currently being heavily linked with a move to M16 as United draw up plans to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the start of the new season.

Zirkzee, 23, scored 12 goals in 37 matches for Bologna last season. Director Giovanni Sartori confirmed on Monday that the Netherlands international will leave the Serie A club due to the £34million release clause in contract.

MEN Sport says: "United need to sign another striker this summer; of that there is no doubt. Rasmus Hojlund is currently the only recognised senior centre forward at the club following the departure of Anthony Martial, and United must add at least another one to compete for his position.

"At this point, Zirkzee does feel like the perfect United signing. He is tall, strong, powerful, has clever moment and can finish. They are qualities that would no doubt strengthen the Red' squad. At £34m, Zirkzee is not going to take up a massive amount of their summer transfer kitty and would be a very astute addition, considering he is only 23 but is already a proven goalscorer at the top level."