1
Manchester United are currently in talks with as many as three centre-backs and most reports have indicated that a deal for Matthijs de Ligt is the most advanced.
The Red Devils have seen two bids get rejected for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite with the club mulling over a fresh approach, which is still likely to be less than what the Toffees are asking for.
As per reports, Lille have accepted United’s bid for Leny Yoro but the French ace is hellbent on earning a move to Real Madrid, who have so far refused to be dragged into the bidding war.
Considering the complications in the aforementioned deals, the move to sign the former Ajax star seems quite straightforward with the 20-time English league champions already reportedly agreeing on personal terms with the Dutch international.
CB search continues
The Old Trafford side are yet to approach Bayern Munich with an official offer but the thinking is that a deal will not be difficult with the Bavarian giants open to De Ligt’s sale.
The centre-back is reportedly open to a wage cut with the Bundesliga side asking for €60 million but the English giants feel a deal can be agreed for much less.
The process was slowed down due to the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 participation, and the feeling was that their elimination would speed up the process.
The Dutch lost their semi-final clash against England but The Athletic‘s David Ornstein has now suggested that a deal is not close as official talks regarding a fee have not started yet and fans need to be more patient as the move will take time.
De Ligt deal far from close
“As things stand, Manchester United are working on this De Ligt deal. I think some of the reports saying that a fee is close. My information is that’s not necessarily accurate.
“I don’t mean to sound any alarm, but as things stand, it is something Manchester United continue to work on. I don’t have any sense of it being imminent, about to be done and announced.
“Famous last words, this podcast comes out, and he’s holding up a United shirt. Well, he’s not, because he’s at the Euros, so we’ll be okay on that front, but I think a bit of patience is required on this.”
The former Ten Hag protege is keen on reuniting with his former boss and now the ball is in INEOS’ court. They will have to decide which centre-back’s acquisition will be prioritised first.
Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
