Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Matthijs de Ligt eager to join; Red Devils remain in hunt for Everton ace, and more - July 12, 2024
Manchester United have made multiple changes behind the scenes since new minority owners INEOS took over the football aspects of the club earlier this year. The Red Devils are now working to upgrade the squad before the start of the new season.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is eager to move to Old Trafford this summer. Elsewhere, United boss Erik ten Hag hasn't given up on his pursuit of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 12, 2024:
Matthijs de Ligt eager to join Manchester United, says Fabrizio Romano
Matthijs de Ligt believes a move to Manchester United could rejuvenate his career, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Ten Hag is looking to add more steel to his backline this summer and has identified his former player as a priority target.
De Ligt played under Ten Haag at Ajax, but his career hasn't gone according to plans recently. Currently at Bayern Munich, the 24-year-old struggled with injuries in the 2023-24 campaign and is no longer a first choice.
Premier League giants United have taken advantage of the situation and have reportedly agreed terms with De Ligt. They are now locked in talks with Bayern to facilitate a deal this summer.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano added that Bayern are aware that De Ligt wants a change of scenario.
"The De Ligt negotiation is progressing between Manchester United and Bayern. Bayern understand that the player wants something different.
"Also, because after spending the last two seasons in a complicated situation in Munich, not always as a regular starter, and now also the Euros, with the Dutch national team not playing, for Matthijs de Ligt, it's not an easy moment," said Romano.
He continued:
"He wants to feel important. He wants to play on a regular basis, and he feels that Manchester United are offering him this opportunity."
De Ligt could be a fine partner for Lisandro Martinez in Ten Hag's set-up, but the Dutch defender's recent injury record could be a cause for concern.
Red Devils remain in the hunt for Jarrad Branthwaite, says Fabrizio Romano
Erik ten Hag hasn't given up on a move for Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The manager identified Brathwaite as a target early in the summer following his stellar campaign with Everton.
Manchester United initially offered £35 million for the player, which was turned down. They returned with an improved offer believed to be in the range of £50 million, but the Toffees are apparently holding out for £70 million to let their prized asset leave.
Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils are reluctant to pay that much for the 22-year-old. They could even opt to move on to alternate targets, with Lille starlet Leny Yoro also on their radar.
However, on his Playback channel, Romano added that the Old Trafford outfit are in regular contact with Branthwaite's agents.
"Jarrad Branthwaite, we said already that Manchester United had two bids rejected, so that's the situation for Branthwaite," said Romano.
He continued:
"Let's see if Manchester United will return - for sure, they keep their contacts active with the agent of the player. The contacts between Manchester United and the agent of Branthwaite are absolutely active, I can guarantee that."
Branthwaite appeared 41 times across competitions for the Merseyside club last season, all of which were starts.
Al-Ittihad eyeing Casemiro
Al-Ittihad are eager to bring Casemiro to the Middle East, according to L'Equipe. The Brazilian midfielder showed signs of regression last season, and Ten Hag is apparently willing to let him go.
The manager is looking for a new defensive midfielder, with Benfica starlet Joao Neves and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte on his radar. Casemiro is no longer indispensable and is likely to be allowed to leave.
Al-Ittihad are locked in talks to bring the player to the Middle East. The Brazilian could be open to a move, as he's likely to be offered a lucrative contract, while the pace of games in Saudi Arabia is likely to suit him too.
The 32-year-old is under contract till 2026, but the Red Sevils are likely to let him go for a fair price.