Matthijs de Ligt allegedly makes it clear that he is only interested in joining Manchester United from Bayern Munich this summer.
Matthijs de Ligt has reportedly made it clear that he is only interested in joining Manchester United from Bayern Munich during this summer’s transfer window.
The speculation surrounding the Dutchman’s future has gathered pace in recent days, with Man United seemingly advancing on a deal for the centre-back.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, De Ligt has told agent Rafaela Pimenta that he only wants to move to Man United this summer despite suggestions of interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 24-year-old is currently with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024, but there is a belief that the deal could be completed before the end of the tournament.
Man United could allegedly pay just £34m for De Ligt, with the 20-time English champions said to be working on a cut-price deal for the defender, who made 30 appearances for Bayern last season.
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De Ligt ‘only interested in Man United move’
“Centre-back, for sure, is one of the priorities. And so I think it’s the most imminent story for Manchester United. They want to bring in a new centre-back,” Romano said on a podcast for CaughtOffside.
“Matthijs de Ligt is on the list for sure. Man United already, around Friday, Saturday, made contact with the agents of the player to understand also whether the player was keen to maybe leave Champions League football for the upcoming season, but accept Manchester United’s project.
“What I’m hearing is that Matthijs De Ligt is absolutely keen on this possibility, also knowing when the manager does something important for him to accept Manchester United.
“Matthijs de Ligt looks like the most likely signing for Manchester United in that position, rather than other players who can be too expensive.”
Bayern have already allegedly earmarked Jonathan Tah as a replacement, with the Germany international wanted from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer market.
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Could Man United sign two new centre-backs?
“Another name on United’s list, and the only player they have bid for so far, is Everton‘s Jarrad Branthwaite. They’ve had a £35m plus add-ons bid rejected, but for sure their appreciation remains, and it depends on Everton because they still want £65m-£70m for the player,” Romano added in his CaughtOffside column.
“That’s too expensive for United, but if the price changes, they are ready to attack the situation. Even with De Ligt potentially joining, it’s also a possibility for United to go for one more centre-back.”
Man United allowed Raphael Varane to leave on a free transfer this summer, while there has still not been an announcement over a potential new deal for Jonny Evans.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also being linked with moves away, with the club thought to be open to offers for the duo, so it is certainly possible that another centre-back could arrive alongside De Ligt, with Branthwaite hugely admired.
Man United will be back in pre-season training on Monday, while the Red Devils will play their first friendly of the summer against Rosenborg on July 15.