Ajax Join Race for Man United Striker Zirkzee

Ajax have emerged as a surprise contender for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee. The 25-year-old Dutchman, who joined United from Bologna for €42.5 million two seasons ago, has failed to nail down a regular starting spot at Old Trafford and is expected to move on this summer. Juventus have long been linked with the forward, but now Ajax have also entered the fray by making an initial enquiry to United about Zirkzee's availability. However, sources indicate that a deal is far from straightforward. The Amsterdam club have already splashed €30 million on two recent signings - Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo and defender Kaio Henrique - leaving limited room for another big outlay. Adding a layer of complexity is Zirkzee's history: he came through the youth ranks at Feyenoord, Ajax's archrivals, before moving to Bayern Munich. Whether he would consider crossing the divide remains to be seen, but Ajax's interest at least signals that the striker's future lies away from Manchester.