Bayern Munich have set a €50 million (£42m) asking price for defender Matthijs de Ligt, who has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United, according to reports in Germany.
United are prioritising the signing of a centre-back this summer following the departure of Raphael Varane. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is a leading candidate, but an opening offer of £45m was rejected, with Everton demanding over £70m for the 21-year-old. United are prepared to walk away if the deal proves too expensive, turning attention to De Ligt as an alternative.
De Ligt, 24, previously played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and joined Bayern from Juventus in July 2022 for €77m (£65.6m). He started only 16 Bundesliga games last season due to injury and is currently with the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024.
When asked about his future, De Ligt said: 'I’ve already said this is not the time for me to think about it. We’re playing at the Euros now… I’m very happy at Bayern. For now I’m focused on the Euros and then we’ll see what happens.'
Bayern are willing to sell De Ligt this summer but insist on the €50m fee. Internal discussions have begun at Old Trafford over a potential move for the Dutch international.
