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4 months ago
36 Manchester United are in the hunt for new centre-backs.
Not just one centre-back but potentially two.
The Reds are advancing in talks to sign Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. At 24, the former Ajax graduate struggled to settle at Juventus and Bayern.
It is understood that De Ligt want to work with his old boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, after advising his agent to prioritise transfer talks with United this summer.
De Ligt is currently in Germany competing at Euro 2024, therefore, he is not expected to decide on his future until the tournament ends.
Should the move be completed, De Ligt would join fellow ex-Ajax stars Antony, Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Andre Onana at Old Trafford.
According to the Daily Mail, United could sign a second centre-back by making a new bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who has thus far been priced out of a move.
Chris Wheeler reports: “United want De Ligt to play on the right side of central defence and have not given up hope of signing Branthwaite to play alongside him on the lefyt if they can sell players to raise the funds.”
United’s opening bid of £38m plus £5m in add-ons was rejected by Everton who are trying to keep the 22-year-old for another season.
Branthwaite is understood to have grown increasingly agitated over the lack of movement in negotiations.
However, the arrival of Dan Ashworth means that United can step up their transfer business now.
United are also linked with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
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