Manchester United continue to chase Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt despite finalising the arrival of French wonderkid Leny Yoro last week.
Business has picked up at Old Trafford with Manchester United getting deals done.
Joshua Zirkzee was first to arrive from Bologna before United wrapped up an impressive deal for Lille centre back Leny Yoro.
The focus in the last few days has been on Arsenal teenager Chido Obi-Martin with United really pushing for an exciting capture.
Yoro’s arrival has really set pulses racing but the 18-year-old may not be the only centre back arrival at Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester United make new Matthijs de Ligt bid
Yes, Yoro is immensely exciting but expecting a teenager to completely revolutionise United’s back line may be a little too much.
United have also been chasing the signing of Bayern Munich centre back Matthijs de Ligt.
A deal appeared to be moving closer earlier in July with De Ligt telling Bayern that he wants a move to United.
De Ligt wants to reunite with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag but the deal has somewhat stalled in recent days.
United focused on signing Yoro and De Ligt has been left waiting to see whether a deal can still be done.
German newspaper Bild now claim that United have made a bid for De Ligt – but it’s nowhere near the asking price.
United have offered €30million (£25.3million) plus €5million (£4.2million) in add-ons, taking the deal to around £29.5million.
However, Bayern want €50million (£42million) for De Ligt, meaning there is a gap of around £12.5million to be bridged.
It’s noted that Bayern need to sell players before bringing in any of their own signings, something we highlighted earlier in July.
United are trying to take advantage with a lowball offer but Bayern are so far standing firm with talks continuing between the two clubs.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
United have eyed Bayern’s De Ligt replacement
De Ligt has fallen down the Bayern pecking order in recent times.
The Dutchman has watched on as Bayern have signed three centre backs – Kim Min-jae, Eric Dier and Hiroki Ito – since his own arrival in 2022.
Now out of favour, De Ligt is available this summer and Bayern want to sell him in order to bring in Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.
Intriguingly though, United are also understood to have asked about a deal for Tah.
The Leverkusen star helped Xabi Alonso win the Bundesliga unbeaten last season and United appear to be interested.
Perhaps United are playing games here though, teasing the idea of snatching Bayern’s top centre back target and leaving them stuck with De Ligt.
United certainly appear to be trying to bring Bayern’s asking price for De Ligt down, but will clearly have to improve on his latest offer.
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