Man Utd now in talks to sign ‘very intelligent’ & ‘fantastic’ player, he wants move - report
Manchester United have opened talks with the camp of Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt over a summer move, according to Sky Sports Germany journalists Kerry Hau and Florian Plettenberg.
The Red Devils want the Netherlands international and are clearly serious about bringing him to Old Trafford ahead of next season as manager Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his defensive ranks following an underwhelming campaign.
Man United have yet to contact the Bundesliga club, but De Ligt leaving this summer cannot be ruled out if a suitable offer is tabled.
The 24-year-old is open to reuniting with his former boss Ten Hag, and the Red Devils have gathered more information about him in recent days.
De Ligt wants regular football having fallen down the pecking order at Bayern, and there are no guarantees the new manager Vincent Kompany will reinstate him.
The Dutchman came to the limelight at Ajax under the tutelage of Ten Hag, with former Man United manager Jose Mourinho dubbing him ‘very intelligent’ and ‘fantastic’ back in 2019.
He has grown into a solid player since then and will fancy his chances of establishing himself as a key player for the Red Devils should a move materialise this summer.
De Ligt also fits into the profile of the type of recruitment Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants the club to make the summer given his age and current market value.
He is valued at around €65 million by transfermarkt but the Red Devils are willing to pay €50m for his services, and Bayern could be willing to do business for that figure or slightly more.
Man United need more leaders on and off the pitch if they want to reclaim their former glories, and adding the former Ajax captain to their squad could make a huge difference given his leadership qualities and experience.