Matthijs de Ligt to Man Utd transfer hits problem as Bayern Munich decision made

Manchester United’s pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt could hit a snag after Bayern Munich decided against signing Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports.

Tah, who had an impressive season under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, was expected to make the move to the Bundesliga giants for £25million.

However, per Kicker, Bayern have chosen not to proceed with the transfer despite a verbal agreement on the fee. The decision by Bayern’s hierarchy is said to be due to their lack of conviction in Max Eberl’s desire to secure the defender, whose contract expires next summer.

The Bavarians were also surprised by Leverkusen putting a deadline on any move for Tah, with the German champions demanding any deal be completed by midnight last night.

It has been suggested that Bayern needed to offload players before making new signings, meaning with no deal for Tah on the horizon, their need to raise cash by selling De Ligt is less immediate.

United and their manager Erik ten Hag are known admirers of the 24-year-old but will only pay £30m for the Dutchman whereas Bayern value the defender at £42m.

Ten Hag is already dealing with injury issues this summer as he seeks to bring De Ligt to Old Trafford. New signing Leny Yoro has been ruled out for three months, while Harry Maguire is currently unfit.

Victor Lindelof is also a doubt for United’s Community Shield clash with Man City.

Ten Hag revealed: “Harry Maguire missed the game as a precaution. There’s still a question mark for Saturday. We have training and we have to see whether he is fit enough or not to be available.

“Victor played, but also he’s a question mark and also Azza (Wan-Bissaka) and Luke Shaw are both question marks. We have to assess them tomorrow.

“You’ve seen the market it’s quite quiet but we have done two deals. It’s about timing and the market options. In the right moment do the right things.

“I don’t go into details of where we are now with recruitment and what we’re working on. Of course, we know what we’re doing, we’re in a good position with the squad and wait with patience.”