Manchester United target left out of European giants’ squad ahead of pre-season tour to South Korea
Matthijs de Ligt has been left out of the Bayern Munich squad amid reports of a possible move to Manchester United. The Dutchman has not traveled with the squad to South Korea, where they have their pre-season matches.
As per a report in Daily Mail, the move is set to be accelerated by Manchester United following the injury to new signing Lery Yoro. The Red Devils are keen on adding the Dutchman this summer and have made a move for De Ligt.
However, they had their first bid rejected this summer as it was well below their valuation. The FA Cup winners had offered £30 million earlier this month but a move is still on the card.
Bayern president Uli Hoeness has opened the doors for a move and said (via Daily Mail):
"It is possible that a defender will still leave. De Ligt is Dutch, the coach at Man United is Dutch. I would have no problem if he stays."
Apart from De Ligt, Manchester United also have an interest in Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui. However, the full-back has gone with the Bundesliga club to the pre-season tour.
Manchester United manager confirms interest in Bayern Munich star
Erik ten Hag spoke to the media and admitted that Manchester United are interested in signing Matthijs de Ligt. He added that the interest was real and said:
"It remains to be seen whether Matthijs de Ligt will come, I know him well. I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time, he was already very far along to join Bayern. Believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process."
He added:
"During my vacation I was three or four weeks out of the process. During that period it was really the club, the newly equipped scouting and recruitment department, that brought in these players. The fact that there are also Dutch people among them is in fact a coincidence. Primarily, these were players who were proposed from our organisation. But of course I support it, let that be clear. And we still make the choice together."
The Red Devils have signed Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this summer so far.