1 Manchester United striker target Joshua Zirkzee's release clause is valid until mid-August.

The Red Devils found scoring goals in the Premier League a massive challenge last year as they could only score 57 goals in a limp eighth place finish.

Most of the reason for this was the over-reliance on last summer's big striker signing, Rasmus Hojlund, who at only 21 and little first team experience, was asked to lead the line time and time again by himself.

Consequently, United have made the signing of a new striker one of the main priorities of the summer and the most concrete links appear to be in the direction of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported on his YouTube channel that "United will make a decision soon on which striker they want to sign."

He also provided an interesting update on the player's future by outlining when Zirkzee's release clause will expire.

It has been well reported by numerous sources that the Dutch forward's release clause of EUR40 million becomes active on Monday and clubs like United and AC Milan are said to be prepared to trigger it next month.

Romano claimed that "for Joshua Zirkzee, Man United have been informed by the player's side that the release clause is valid until mid-August. So there is still plenty of time. They are assessing all options they have for the striker position."

He also confirmed that United are well-informed on the deal as they know "how much it costs on transfer, salary and commissions" and that transfer rival AC Milan's "stumbling block" continues to be the agent fees.

The Red Devils may need to act a lot quicker than the middle of August though, as not only would they risk other interested parties like Milan or perhaps Juventus stealing a march but they will want to satisfy fans who are growing tetchy at the numerous links but lack of concrete signings at this time.

The only issue for a deal to be completed for United appears to be the player's will to join, as he is reportedly keen to stay in Serie A or even at his current side Bologna.

Nonetheless, the fact that the Red Devils have been so thorough in the deal probably suggests they are confident that were they to make a move, the striker would happily join and it has been relayed here recently that Dutch legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy, joining the coaching staff would be a significant pull factor for Zirkzee to learn from one of the best finishers in the game's history.