Manchester United secures services of Dutch striker Zirkzee

MANCHESTER (Agencies): Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee has moved to Manchester United on a five-year contract from Bologna, the Premier League club said on Sunday, for a fee believed to be 42.5 million euros ($46.35 million). The 23-year-old had an excellent season with the Serie A club last season, becoming Bologna’s top scorer with 11 goals and five assists, helping secure the club a place in the Champions League group stage. United will pay the transfer fee over three years. “It is a privilege to join such an iconic club,” Zirkzee said in a statement. “I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.” Zirkzee was a late addition to the Netherlands squad for the European Championship, making his senior debut in the quarter-final victory against Turkey. United ended last season with an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, their worst ever performance in the top flight. However, they salvaged their season with victory in the FA Cup.