A former Manchester United director has been backed to play an important role in a possible pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee.

Zirkzee linked with Man Utd exit Ex-United director backed to play role in pursuitForward is club's 'midsummer dream' transferFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Following reports of Atalanta showing interest in United forward Zirkzee, Quotidiano Sportivo claim the Dutchman is the Serie A side's 'midsummer dream'. The report adds that former Red Devils football director John Murtough, who joined the Italian team in April, can play a 'key role' in negotiations, with potential dealings likely to be less complex with him around.

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Zirkzee joined United from Bologna last summer for £36.5 million ($49m) but speculation has risen that they may cut their losses and try and cash in on the Netherlands international. The report adds that if Atalanta sell star player Ademola Lookman, then they may increase their efforts to sign the 24-year-old.

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Zirkzee, who scored just seven goals in 49 games for United last season, is reportedly valued at €35m (£30m) by United. Moreover, his €5m a year wages may put off Atalanta. But as the two teams have a good relationship, following deals for Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund, that could help in negoatiations.

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The 6ft 4in Zirkzee still has four years left on his Old Trafford contract so if United do sell him, they will not let him go on the cheap. For now, the big forward is preparing for next season as Ruben Amorim's side try to put last term behind them.