Man Utd transfer target reminds me of Ronaldinho – but I cannot compare him to anyone

Manchester United transfer target Joshua Zirkzee has been compared to Brazilian icon Ronaldinho.

The 23-year-old striker has been watched by several clubs across Europe, and his representatives have reportedly been in talks with United this summer over a switch to Old Trafford. The young Dutchman has been turning heads since his arrival in Serie A last year from Bayern Munich and his former manager at Bologna, Thiago Motta has now paid him the ultimate compliment.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, former Barcelona player Motta said that although Zirkzee sees himself in other legends of the game such as ex-United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it's actually the Brazilian superstar who Motta sees in the young forward. However, Motta also called his starlet "special" and incomparable to "anyone".

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“He said that his idols are [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic and [Gabriel] Batistuta, who are two excellent players, but, seeing him day to day, he reminds me of the Ronaldinho I played with at Barcelona," Motta said. "But I cannot compare him to anyone. He is just Joshua, and he is special." he added.

Talking to the Italian press, Motta explained how he wasn't initially convinced about Zirkzee but due to the player's strong self-belief he has morphed into a "leader". The new Juventus coach said: "I wasn't convinced about letting Zirkzee play as a starter: he was the first to bet on himself: today he is a leader".

The 6ft 4in striker scored 11 goals in 34 games for Bologna last season as they qualified for the Champions League, and following a few late drop outs, Dutch manager Ronald Koeman called him up to his Euro 2024 squad. However, there are suggestions in some quarters who think Zirkzee's goal record should be better, but not from Motta.

The former Brazil international believes the Dutch striker's overall qualities more than make up for any abilities he may still be honing in front of goal, adding: "There are forwards who think only about goals, but not Joshua. He has a big heart and that makes the difference."

Whether Motta's words will help accelerate United to get a deal done for the Dutch ace remains to be seen. The battle for the Bologna star looks to be coming down to just two teams with AC Milan firmly in the mix for his signature.

Italian paper Corriere dello Sport hsa claimed that United are the only club who “are willing to pay both the €40 million clause and the €15 million commission without batting an eyelid.” However, in a twist to the ongoing saga, they also report that Zirkzee has inferred that he wants to stay at Bologna and play in the Champions League.

Zirkzee has a £34m release clause in his contract at Bologna but, despite Erik ten Hag's desire to land his fellow countryman, a reported £12m fee to his agent, Kia Joorabchian, is proving to be a significant stumbling block.