Manchester United are weighing up a move for Matthijs de Ligt, which is ‘independent’ to their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite, a report has claimed.
The Red Devils are in the market for at least one centre-back after a poor defensive season and the departure of Raphael Varane on a free transfer.
Two players linked with United are Bayern Munich’s De Ligt and Everton’s Branthwaite. The Athletic report that they are ‘seriously considering’ a move for the former that is irrespective of their plans to sign the latter.
De Ligt is said to have had long-term admirers at the club dating back to his days at Ajax, during which he became club captain under current United manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch defender left for Juventus in 2019 for €75m plus a further €10m in add-ons. He made 117 appearances for the Bianconeri and helped them win three trophies.
In 2022, De Ligt signed for Bayern for a fee that could reach €77m. He has so far played 73 matches for the Bavarians, but is one of three centre-backs – along with Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano – that has been linked with a move away this summer.
90min previously reported that though United are indeed fans of De Ligt, they would be put off by whatever fee Bayern demanded as well as the player’s potential wage demands.
In the meantime, United have since seen a £42m offer for Branthwaite knocked back by Everton. They could still go back in for the England international and there is a possibility United sign both he and De Ligt, though this would likely hinge on their ability to sell other players in Ten Hag’s squad.
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