Manchester United are ‘exploring’ a double deal to sign Bayern Munich defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
United have been in negotiations with Bayern to sign De Ligt, with Erik ten Hag keen to reunite with the centre-back after working together at former club Ajax.
Bayern are open to the sale of the Netherlands international but the Red Devils have so far failed to meet the €50m (£42.1m) asking price for the 24-year-old. The Premier League side have seen an opening offer of €35m (£29.4m) turned down.
Sky Germany are reporting that United are also targeting De Ligt’s club teammate, Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan defender can operate in either full-back position and also played under Ten Hag at Ajax, breaking into the first-team under the Dutchman during the 2018-19 season.
The 26-year-old is free to leave Bayern, who value Mazraoui at €20m – €25m. However, there is a feeling that the Germans could do business at around €15m (£12.6m) due to their need to sell before buying further players this summer.
Should the duo arrive at Manchester United, it will continue Ten Hag’s recruitment of players he has previously worked with. Lisandro Martinez, Andre Onana and Antony all played under Ten Hag at Ajax before moving to the Premier League.
West Ham are also interested in Mazraoui, who is one of several right-back options under consideration by new head coach Julen Lopetegui. Coincidentally, the Hammers have also held talks with Manchester United over signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
