Manchester United are in the market to sign Matthijs de Ligt this summer as Erik ten Hag and key figures behind the scenes attempt to bolster their defensive options. United could recruit as many as three centre-backs during the transfer window with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro also on their radar.
De Ligt needs no introduction for Ten Hag after the pair worked together at Ajax and at one point in time the former was regarded as the best young defender on the planet. While his career has, perhaps, stalled for club and country since then, the pedigree remains and Bayern Munich’s loss could be United’s gain.
Speculation over the 24-year-old Netherlands international and his future at the Allianz Arena continues to swirl . Here, we take a look at the latest headlines at home and abroad when it comes to his proposed transfer:
Personal terms verbally agreed with De Ligt
United have verbally agreed personal terms with De Ligt regarding a move to Old Trafford this summer. However, as things stand, nothing concrete has been submitted to Bayern over his would-be signature – despite confidence in-house from United that a deal will eventually be done.
United have an existing relationship with De Ligt’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, while the defender is already known to Ten Hag from their days together at Ajax. In the market for up to three centre-backs this summer, Everton prospect Branthwaite and French youngster Yoro – from Lille – are the other primary targets.
United ‘willing’ to meet £42m asking price
Although personal terms have been verbally agreed, United have yet to make a formal offer for the Bayern player as they continue to weigh up all the options available to them. Exactly how much the German heavyweights want for his signature remains up in the air with contrasting indications across the board.
Reports from Sport BILD outline £42million as the asking price and indicate United would be willing to pay up. De Ligt – who progressed through the Ajax system and captained the Amsterdam giants as a teenager under no other than Ten Hag – has already amassed a staggering total transfer fund throughout his career.
Juventus paid €85.5million for him in 2019 and Bayern splashed out €67million coming up two years ago, but will it be third time lucky for United when it comes to a long-term target?
Tah move could be catalyst for Bayern to sell
Sky Germany flag up Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah as an alternative option for United if they fail to get De Ligt over the line. However, there is also a proposed scenario by which Tah heading to Bavaria instead would be the catalyst for De Ligt pitching up at Old Trafford as planned this summer.
Whispers that United are keeping tabs on Tah feature in a social media post. A transfer triangle could emerge as to speed up the process, depending on which club makes the first move.
