5 months ago
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is eyeing up a move for former Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt, who faces an uncertain future at Bayern Munich, according to reports.
After a nervous wait, Ten Hag was given the backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, with the Dutchman now turning his attention to a squad revamp ahead of the new season.
A key area to improve for United will be at centre-back, with Ten Hag’s side shipping 58 Premier League goals last season and the club’s most in all competitions since 1978/79.
Raphael Varane has already departed – and veteran Jonny Evans could follow him out of the club – while Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have both proved injury-prone in recent campaigns.
Everton’s £75million-rated Jarrad Branthwaite is highly regarded by the club, but De Ligt, who previously worked under Ten Hag at Ajax, is another name in consideration.
According to Sky in Germany, the 24-year-old will be allowed to leave Bayern this summer as they plot their own defensive rebuild under new manager Vincent Kompany.
Hiroki Ito has already arrived from Vfb Stuttgart, while Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah is also being targeted.
No official bid has been made by United at this stage, although Ten Hag is said to still be a big fan of the centre-back. The 54-year-old has already signed three players who played under him at Ajax – Martinez, Antony and Andre Onana.
United are plotting a number of big signings this summer but will have to be cautious about their spending due to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Fulham’s Joao Palhinha is a player liked by United’s hierarchy, although the Portuguese midfielder is said to have his eyes set on a move to Bayern.
Elsewhere, United are said to have drawn up a three-man shortlist for a new striker – with Ivan Toney, Joshua Zirkzee and Jonathan David all under consideration.
Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood are both likely to depart the club this summer to free up funds for a new attacking player.
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