Man United have put Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt on their list of transfer targets in the summer window.
The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their backline after conceding 58 goals in the Premier League last season – the most they have allowed in a single campaign since 1971.
Jarrad Branthwaite is the centre-back the club have been most closely linked with, but saw a proposal worth £35m plus £8m in add-ons rebuffed by Everton, who want £70m for the 22-year-old.
De Ligt is seen as a more ‘viable’ signing, with Man United believing a deal could be done at a less prohibitive cost, according to The Athletic.
The north west outfit have supposedly been long time admirers of the Netherlands international, while manager Erik ten Hag is said to be interested in a reunion with the 24-year-old. De Ligt played under Ten Hag at Ajax before joining Juventus in 2019.
No talks have yet taken place about a possible transfer and there is ‘no certainty’ a deal will happen, but Man United have made him a ‘concrete target’.
The Dutchman’s contract with Bayern runs until 2027, but the Bavarian club are keen to move on one of their highest earners after he only made 16 Bundesliga appearances last season.
Sky Germany have previously reported that Bayern would be willing to sell De Ligt for €50m. However, United will have to raise fund by selling players before they can sign new recruits.
