Man Utd 'submit opening bid' for Matthijs de Ligt but INEOS face £13m problem

Manchester United have launched their pursuit of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt by submitting an opening bid worth £29million, according to reports. However, the Bundesliga giants are said to have rejected the first offer and are holding out for a fee in the region of £42m.

United have already completed two transfers in the first summer of the INEOS regime, and they are now eyeing further defensive reinforcements.

But Bayern are reportedly digging their heels in over De Ligt, who doesn’t appear to have a future at the Allianz Arena under Vincent Kompany.

According to BILD, the Bundesliga giants are holding out for £13m more than United’s rebuffed £29m offer, plus add-ons.

It’s claimed that Bayern have to offload players before they can make any significant additions to Kompany’s squad due to tight finances.

So negotiations between the two clubs are continuing, with United likely searching for a compromise, having already splashed £52m on a defensive signing this summer.

The Red Devils prioritised their push for Lille centre-back Leny Yoro, one of the world’s most highly-rated youngsters, over De Ligt despite agreeing on personal terms with the latter.

By doing so, they beat Real Madrid and Liverpool to the 18-year-old’s signature in what was viewed as an almighty coup at the start of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.

But after the capture of Yoro, United’s attention appears to have diverted back to De Ligt, viewing him as a high-quality player who is available this summer.

There is more work to do before Erik ten Hag can enjoy a reunion with another of his former Ajax students, though, as Bayern stand firm on their asking price.

United may have to sell themselves before adding further fresh blood to Ten Hag’s squad, having already spent £88.5m on two new arrivals.

Days before Yoro was confirmed as Raphael Varane’s long-term successor, Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee landed in M16 in a £36.5m deal to replace Anthony Martial, also out of contract.

De Ligt’s potential arrival may also depend on the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who have both entered the final 12 months of their contracts.

One of them may have to leave this summer to facilitate another centre-back signing, and Lindelof is viewed as the more likely.

Ten Hag currently has five senior options – Lisandro Martinez, Yoro, Maguire, Lindelof and Jonny Evans.

But after last season’s brutal defensive injury crisis, the Dutchman may be keen to bulk up his back line to ensure the same damaging issues don’t repeat themselves.