Matthijs de Ligt makes decision on joining Man Utd after INEOS 'open talks' over move

Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt would reportedly be open to reuniting with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United this summer. The Red Devils are said to be priorisiting the addition of a new centre-back to replace Raphael Varane, with INEOS hard at work behind the scenes.

United have already been linked with a potential move for Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite, who emerged as one of the Premier League’s best young defenders last season. It was reported on Friday that De Ligt, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax, had been identified as an alternative target.

It seems United could be well-placed to thrash out a move for the Dutchman over the coming weeks after receiving a huge boost to their hopes of landing him. According to Fabrizio Romano, he is eager to join the Red Devils in spite of their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The report adds that United have already made contact with De Ligt’s representatives with a view to bringing him in this summer. Bayern Munich are said to be open to doing business with United for the right price, but it remains to be seen if a deal can be agreed.

De Ligt thrived under Ten Hag’s guidance at Ajax, coming through the club’s academy and excelling at the heart of their defence before joining Juventus in 2019. He signed for Bayern Munich three years later and has made 73 appearances across his two seasons in Germany.

Ten Hag has made a habit of recruiting players he already knows and trusts during his two-year spell in charge at Old Trafford. He has already signed the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Antony, who followed him from Ajax in the summer of 2022.

United are still believed to be weighing up a move for Branthwaite, which suggests they could look to sign him in addition to De Ligt this summer. Several other defensive targets, such as Jean-Clair Todibo and Leny Yoro, have also been linked with the Red Devils in recent months.