(Football news) With the departure of seasoned center-back Raphael Varane, Manchester United is trying to bolster their defense. Currently, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof are Erik ten Hag’s defensive options.

But with unknown futures ahead of them, Maguire and Lindelof may be traded, particularly if Man United adds defensive reinforcements this summer. After the two previously collaborated at Ajax, Manchester United is currently negotiating a deal to bring Ten Hag and De Ligt back together.

Man United making progress in De Ligt pursuit

De Ligt, who is under contract until June 2027, has already made it clear that he is only prepared to leave Bayern for Man United. Manchester United are ‘increasingly confident’ of striking a deal to make De Ligt their first signing of the summer transfer window.

The Dutchman is continuing to prioritise a move to Old Trafford, and he is now on the verge of agreeing personal terms with the 20-time English champions. Man United are currently holding talks with Bayern over the transfer structure, with the Red Devils looking to pay part of the deal in add-ons.

What would De Ligt’s role be at Old Trafford?

Last season, Ten Hag chopped and changed his central-defensive pairings, largely due to the numerous injury issues that affected his backline.

There is an expectation that Ten Hag will look to establish a settled centre-back pairing with De Ligt and Martinez if the Netherlands international signs this summer.

While he may only be 24, De Ligt would also bring a wealth of experience to Old Trafford, having made 307 appearances during his time at Ajax, Juventus and Bayern.

The defender also has experience of winning multiple honours, having won league titles in Netherlands, Germany and Italy as well as lifting the KNVB Beker, Coppa Italia, Italian Super Cup, DFB-Pokal and the German Super Cup.

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