Matthijs de Ligt responds to Man United transfer approach

Matthijs de Ligt responds to Man United transfer approach

Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is open to joining Manchester United this summer, according to reports in Germany.

The Premier League team is looking to add at least one new center-back in the summer transfer window, and the Netherlands international is on their shortlist of defenders.

Everton has already rejected United’s offer of £45 million for Jarrad Branthwaite this month, but the team has also undertaken internal negotiations regarding a transfer for De Ligt.

Two years after joining Bayern Munich for €77 million (£65.6 million), the 24-year-old is no longer in the team’s plans, and the Bundesliga team is willing to let him go.

Sky Germany reports that United has contacted De Ligt’s agents to inquire about his interest in joining Old Trafford this summer.

The report claims that De Ligt is open to joining United as he does not want to stay as a back-up option, however, the club are yet to submit an offer to Bayern.

Matthijs de Ligt is currently with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024 (Getty)
Earlier this month, reports claimed that Bayern are holding out for a €50m (£42m) fee for De Ligt, who started just 16 games in the Bundesliga last season.

United, however, are working on a restricted budget this summer and are said to only be prepared to pay around €35m (£29.6m) for De Ligt.

Erik ten Hag is said to have remained a huge admirer of De Ligt having worked with him for just over one season at Ajax.

When asked about his future at Bayern earlier this month De Ligt, who is with the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, said: ‘I’ve already said this is not the time for me to think about it.

‘We’re playing at the Euros now and that’s very important for me and the national team. That’s why I can’t say now what I think about this situation.

‘But what I can say is that I’ve now played my second season at Bayern – I’m very happy. For now I’m focused on the Euros and then we’ll see what happens.’

Bayern, meanwhile, are already planning for De Ligt’s departure as they have held extensive talks to sign Jonathan Tah from Bayern Munich