(Football news) Erik ten Hag’s team is reportedly eager to add a second center-back to Old Trafford this summer. Last week, Manchester United finalized the agreement for Leny Yoro, an 18-year-old who arrived from Lille.
With the Netherlands international De Ligt having played for Ajax under current Red Devils manager Ten Hag, De Ligt is reportedly a top target for Manchester United.
The 24-year-old’s worth has not, however, been fulfilled by Manchester United’s offers for him thus far. Manchester United “are offering significantly less than €40m (£33.6m)”, and although Bayern is willing to let him go, they are not ready to be forced into a deal.
Man United ‘are not meeting Bayern’s valuation’
Man United must allegedly pay €50m (£42m) plus bonus payments if they wish to sign the former Ajax youngster, and Bayern are not willing to negotiate.
The Red Devils had seemingly be on the verge of closing a transfer for De Ligt before their attention switched to securing a deal for Yoro, who was also heavily being linked with Real Madrid.
Raphael Varane’s departure on a free transfer meant that Man United were always going to move for one centre-back this summer, but Victor Lindelof is also being linked with an exit, so it is entirely possible that another player will arrive in that area of the field.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite could prove to be too expensive, but the Red Devils will allegedly have to raise their bid for De Ligt if they are to secure his signature this summer.
Would De Ligt be a good signing for Man United?
De Ligt, Yoro and Lisandro Martinez would be an impressive centre-back trio to choose from next season, while Harry Maguire is also set to stay at Old Trafford despite the speculation surrounding his future.
Jonny Evans has penned another contract, so the Northern Ireland international will provide support next term, with Willy Kambwala following Varane out of the door this summer.
De Ligt starred at Ajax in the early stages of his career, winning a league and cup double during the 2018-19 campaign, before making the move to Juventus, and he left the Old Lady having lifted three trophies, including the Serie A title.
The defender has had more success at Bayern, winning the Bundesliga and DFL-Supercup, and he has featured on 324 occasions during his professional career.
Even for €50m (£42m), De Ligt would be a bargain, but Man United must sell before they can bring him in, and exits for the likes of Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka would make space for his arrival.
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