Manchester United have been scouting £34m striker who Newcastle want to sign this summer

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Man United are proving to be a big issue for Newcastle United as they look to sign an in-form striker who the Magpies have been tracking.

It was reported back in January that Newcastle had shown an interest in the Dutch striker who is enjoying a great season in Serie A with Bologna.

A new report from Tuttosport now claims that Man United scouts were in attendance to watch Bologna’s match against Atalanta and were very impressed with Zirkzee during the game.

Newcastle face tough battle for ‘important’ striker

Zirkzee has done very well to reach double figures in Italy this season after netting his 10th league goal from the penalty spot in the game against Atalanta at the weekend.

Bologna have been the surprise of the season as they currently sit in fourth place and in the driving seat to qualify for the Champions League thanks to Zirkzee’s very ‘important‘ efforts.

Newcastle are very keen on bolstering their attacking options with Callum Wilson expected to leave in the summer and Zirkzee is still an exciting young talent with a lot of room to grow having finally finding regular first team minutes after leaving Bayern Munich.

It won’t be easy for the Geordies, however, if Man United’s interest is real and they are looking to make a bid in the summer.

It will also be interesting to see if Dan Ashworth has much to do with their interest given that Newcastle were first mentioned as a possible suitor while he was still their sporting director.

Zirkzee preparing to leave amid Newcastle interest

Just last month it was being reported in Italy that Zirkzee was preparing to leave Bologna amid rumours that there were several teams willing to take him to the next level.

Newcastle will obviously have been hoping that they will have had Champions League football to help them out in negotiations, though that seems very unlikely now with Europa League a more realistic target.

It’s been rumoured that the Dutch striker could be available for around £34m in the summer, a fee that shouldn’t be too much of an issue for Newcastle but whether they would commit that amount on a backup attacker is another matter.

However, these days if you want quality players even on your bench you’re going to have to pay a high price, so Newcastle will have to get clever with their negotiations.