"There has now been contact" - Fabrizio Romano confirms Manchester United have made their play for defender
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Manchester United have made their first move to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. He has claimed that the Red Devils are in talks with the Dutchman's agents and are waiting for a response.
Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano stated that the De Ligt was Manchester United's top target as Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is considered too expensive. He added that the Everton star remains on their wishlist, but the Bayern Munich defender is now their main target.
“Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United could be one to watch this summer as we know they’ve been exploring the market for centre-backs. There’s now been contact between Man United and De Ligt’s representatives, but we may have to wait a bit longer for something more concrete to happen,” the journalist said.
“At the moment De Ligt doesn’t want any distraction during the Euros, but for sure Man United made contact with his agent to understand the situation. United are considering a move – nothing is decided yet but he’s one of the names on their list. There’s still no proposal from United or any other club. Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the list at United too, but the £70m fee required by Everton is still considered too expensive. Let’s see if De Ligt can be signed on more favourable terms, or if they consider other alternatives in that position as well,” he added.
Bayern Munich reportedly want around £60 million for De Light this summer. The fee is £10 million lower than what Everton are demanding for Branthwaite.
Manchester United target focusing on EURO 2024
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Matthijs de Ligt for the last few weeks, but the defender is focused on the national team. He stated that the club future is not on his mind as the EURO 2024 is more important right now.
“I’ve already said this is not the time for me to think about it. We’re playing at the Euros now and that’s very important for me and the national team. That’s why I can’t say now what I think about this situation. But what I can say is that I’ve now played my second season at Bayern – I’m very happy. For now I’m focused on the Euros and then we’ll see what happens,” De Ligt said in a press conference (via News24online).
De Ligt was linked with a move to Manchester United when he was leaving Ajax. However, he opted to move to Bayern Munich but lost his place in the starting XI last season.