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Man United transfer news: Red Devils identify Matthijs de Ligt as 'concrete target'

By Ben Sully | 29 June 2024

Defender search: Ten Hag 'targeting' De Ligt reunion

Manchester United are reportedly considering Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt as a 'concrete target', with the Red Devils on the lookout for a new centre-back.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer.

The Red Devils have seen their defensive options weakened after Raphael Varane left the club at the end of the 2023-24 season.

While Varane has departed on a free transfer, Man United could sell Victor Lindelof this summer as the Sweden international seeks regular playing time.

United also saw Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire struggle with injuries last season, reinforcing their need to recruit at least one new centre-back ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Man United were believed to be prioritising a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, but they are willing to walk away from the negotiating table if the Toffees fail to lower their demands.

Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt reacts on September 15, 2023 © Reuters

Man United considering De Ligt move

The 20-time English champions had a £43m bid rejected, and they are reluctant to meet Everton's £70m asking price for the 22-year-old.

After failing to make progress in their pursuit of Branthwaite, Man United appear to be turning their focus to alternative options.

According to The Athletic, they are considering a move for De Ligt after identifying the Bayern defender as a 'concrete target'.

The report claims that Man United are yet to make any formal contact with the German giants, but they are 'seriously' weighing up whether to step up their interest in the Netherlands international.

De Ligt is likely to be a cheaper option than Branthwaite despite being under contract with Bayern until the summer of 2027.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on October 24, 2023 (IMAGO) © Imago

Red Devils are long-term admirers of the Dutchman

This is not the first time that Man United have been linked with a move for De Ligt, with their interest dating back to his time as an Ajax player.

Man United appeared to show an interest before he completed a move to Juventus in 2019 and again when he joined Bayern in the summer of 2022.

Erik ten Hag is believed to be keen to reunite with De Ligt after the pair worked together for around 18 months at Ajax.

De Ligt was not always a guaranteed starter in the 2023-24 campaign after starting 16 of Bayern's 34 league matches due to selection decisions and injury issues.

The Dutchman could face intense competition if he stays at the Allianz Arena, with the Bavarians expected to bring in a new centre-back to add to their current options which include Eric Dier, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae.