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Manchester United defensive target Matthijs De Ligt has reportedly told Bayern Munich that he wants to leave this summer.
Erik ten Hag’s side are desperate for defensive reinforcements after an horrendous season saw them concede an astonishing 85 goals in all competitions.
What’s more Raphael Varane will shortly leave the club as he is reportedly in Italy discussing a deal with Como as his contract at United draws to an end.
The side from Old Trafford have had a bid for Jarrad Branthwaite rejected and still harbour an interest in the player but it was reported yesterday by the ultra reliable David Ornstein, that the club are also keen on pursuing Bayern Munich defender De Ligt, who successfully worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
HITC add to this by reporting “that Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt has told the club he wants to leave this summer.”
The Bavarian club are also “open to letting Mattihjs De Ligt leave this summer and talks have taken place with a number of Premier League clubs”, including Manchester United.
De Ligt was reportedly unhappy with life under Thomas Tuchel and with Bayern completing a deal for Hiroki Ito and being in negotiations for Bayer Leverkusen centre back Jonathan Tah, this will “clear the way for the De Ligt sale”.
United may have some work to do to reach a deal though as reports yesterday claimed that the Bavarians wanted up to €70 million for the Netherlands international.
Nonetheless, there are even more positive updates for United fans as HITC state that Vincent Kompany’s men want to shift his wages as he is one of the highest earners at the club.
Interestingly, the Bundesliga giants “would consider a loan with an option to facilitate his exit although they would clearly prefer a sale”.
Naturally, a player of the profile of De Ligt being available will pique the interest of numerous clubs and it is understood “that talks have taken place with United, Liverpool and Chelsea – whilst Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle have been made aware of this situation.”
In a summer of PSR restrictions and uncertainty over how many players United want to bring in this summer, Bayern’s flexibility to allow for an initial loan would only help a potential deal.
Furthermore, despite interest from other Premier League teams, the 24 year old’s previous relationship with Ten Hag can only benefit United’s pursuit, as the player arguably played his best ever football under the current manager.
De Ligt would also play in front of his former teammate Andre Onana, in what would be another potential pull factor for the Bayern centre back.
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