Manchester United have signed Leny Yoro to strengthen their backline but considering what had transpired last season, it is clear that more additions are required in defence.
In fact, the French gem was the least likely to come due to Real Madrid’s presence in the race. It was always thought that Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich was the easiest to acquire among the Red Devils’ defensive targets.
The club had agreed on personal terms with the Netherlands international who was reportedly keen to reunite with his former Ajax manager.
In fact, for the first time in a long time, a player in his prime was ready to take a pay cut to join the United revolution which got fans very excited.
De Ligt deal has not progressed
However, the Bavarian giants’ demands have meant the move has yet to be agreed despite the 20-time English league champions bidding €35 million for the 24-year-old. Bayern are holding out for €50 million upfront, something INEOS have refused to match.
United were reportedly open to moving on from the former Ajax starlet to Bundesliga champion Jonathan Tah, a top target for Bayern, which created panic at the Allianz Arena.
HITC Football have claimed De Ligt is unhappy with Bayern’s handling of the whole situation and has spoken to the club hierarchy regarding the same.
He is agitating for a move to Old Trafford and feels Bayern’s valuation is preventing him from completing his dream move to the Theatre of Dreams.
The three-time Champions League winners are prepared to increase their offer but it would still fall short of Bayern’s demands and it would require the German side to lower their demands for the move to go through as expected. De Ligt’s sale will then allow Bayern to sign Tah, who is their chosen alternative should the former Juventus star leave.
“HITC understands that Manchester United target Matthijs de Ligt is growing increasingly agitated at Bayern Munich. Talks are still ongoing between both clubs to bring the 24-year-old defender to Old Trafford, but the deal has not progressed as expected.
De Ligt desperate to leave
“Erik ten Hag wanted De Ligt on board before United depart for their tour this week, but with both clubs still locked in talks that is now unlikely.
“HITC has been told by sources that De Ligt has made it abundantly clear to the hierarchy at Bayern Munich that he wants to move to Old Trafford. He feels that their asking price is too high and that the club previously promised him that they would accept a smaller fee.
“United’s current offer is worth €35 million (£30 million) with €5m of that in add-ons. HITC has been told that United could increase their bid to €40 million (£34 million), but an agreement would still require Bayern Munich to come down significantly.”
De Ligt still has three years left in his Bayern deal and he joined for €67 million back in 2022. So Bayern are looking to try and recoup as much as possible from his sale. But the player has not been given the chances he expected since his move which has seen him lose his place as a starter in the Dutch national team.
A move to United would see him reunited with Erik ten Hag, the manager who got the best out of him.
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