Manchester United have now been handed a major transfer boost in their pursuit of a €40 million (R791 million) star.
United are yet to confirm any new transfer so far in this window, although they have been linked with signing a centre-back, a defensive midfielder, and a striker.
Read: OFFICIAL: Ahly confirm major player exit
As such, in recent weeks, the club has reportedly been targeting the likes of Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain), and Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna).
The Red Devils are yet to reach an agreement over the signing of any of the aforementioned stars, but they have now been handed a lifeline in their bid to sign Zirkzee, with Bologna having revealed that the Dutch striker will make an exit in this window.
The Italian side's technical director Giovanni Sartori told Sky Sports: "Zirkzee has a clause so he will leave 99.9%.
"We have been thinking about his replacement for months.
"It won't be easy but we will work to replace him, we already have some names, some ideas."
It is claimed the centre-forward has a modest release clause of €40 million included in his contract, which expires in June 2026.
According to the Metro, Serie A giants AC Milan had previously reached an agreement to sign Zirkzee but that deal was scuppered by the Rossoneri's refusal to pay an additional €15 million (R296 million) in commission to the player's representative, Kia Joorabchian.
It is further claimed by Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg that United boss Erik ten Hag met with Zirkzee's camp and spoke directly to the player himself regarding a potential move in recent days.
Read: England star's heated altercation with Slovakia boss explained
Now currently with the Netherlands at the 2024 UEFA European Championship, the 23-year-old enjoyed a productive 2023/24 season, registering 12 goals and seven assists in 37 outings for Bologna.