Manchester United have reportedly initiated discussions with Matthijs de Ligt’s camp, as they are still to hold talks with Bayern Munich.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have been in contact with the representatives of Matthijs de Ligt over a potential move to Old Trafford. The 24-year-old defender is keen to leave Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, although the two clubs have yet to start a dialogue over a transfer.
Manchester United contact Matthijs de Ligt camp
Manchester United are eager to bring in a strong central defender to shore up the backline, with Erik ten Hag now evaluating key options in the market. A few key players like Raphael Varane are available, while Victor Lindelof could also leave should the club receive a sizeable offer.
Matthijs de Ligt is a target for Manchester United, with ten Hag keen on a reunion with the player he coached back during his Ajax days. The 24-year-old defender’s performances have been a big flop, as he’s no longer an automatic choice for Bayern Munich or the Netherlands.
Manchester United value de Ligt at €50 million, although at such a rate, Bayern Munich are unlikely to sanction a sale. The Bundesliga giants are keen on recouping a fee much closer to the reported €67 million they paid Juventus for the Dutchman, meaning there have to be some consensus between the two parties.
The Red Devils have initiated contact with de Ligt’s camp in a bid to reach an agreement with the player over a move. de Ligt is keen to leave Bayern in the summer, and a move to Old Trafford, should it come with guarantees of an important role, might materialise from the player’s side.
Bayern open to selling Matthijs de Ligt
Bayern Munich are open to discussions over de Ligt, although any deal would not be straightforward as there are complications in valuations. While the 24-year-old Bundesliga defender is no longer a preferred choice to start, he still has plenty of standing in the market.
Ten Hag has the means to develop de Ligt into a top draw defender, but finances might be an issue heading into discussions. Manchester United, under INEOS, have made their intentions clear that they will not overpay for any player.