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After giving up an astonishing 85 goals in all competitions last season, Manchester United is focused on shoring up their defense before addressing any other areas.
Raphael Varane has left the team and there are uncertainties surrounding the futures of both Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. Additionally, Jonny Evans’ current contract is expiring soon.
INEOS is searching for a long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez, but their attempts to acquire Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite have been unsuccessful so far.
Manchester United has faced obstacles in pursuing alternative targets like Marc Guehi, Leny Yoro, and Jean-Clair Todibo. The club is now considering revisiting a former favorite of the manager.
United’s CB Search
Since his arrival in Manchester, Erik ten Hag’s transfer strategy has involved bringing in players he has previously worked with, such as Martinez, Antony, and Andre Onana.
The manager holds a strong admiration for another of his former Ajax recruits, Matthijs de Ligt, and Manchester United is planning to make a move for the Bayern Munich star.
Bundesliga transfer expert Christian Falk, in his CaughtOffside column, stated that Bayern Munich needs funds to reinvest in their squad and is willing to sell the Dutch international for €70 million.
However, Bayern has set an asking price of €70 million, which United is unwilling to meet. The English club is prepared to pay approximately half of that amount, and it remains to be seen if Vincent Kompany’s team will agree to those terms.
“FC Bayern have to offload players to continue purchasing. Erik ten Hag, who is currently negotiating an extension with Manchester United, is keen on signing Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt Price
“As a result, ten Hag should be ready to pay a substantial transfer fee for de Ligt. Bayern is asking for up to €70 million, but Manchester United is aiming to pay only half. The new coach Vincent Kompany prefers to focus on other defensive players.”
Bayern initially paid €70 million plus add-ons for the 24-year-old De Ligt, who had rejected United in the past but now seems more open to reuniting with his former coach.
The partnership of De Ligt and Martinez had been successful at Ajax, and Ten Hag hopes that INEOS will support him in this endeavor.
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