Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Premier League, Matthijs De Ligt
As he made his way towards the club's training ground this week, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was asked "when" a transfer target was coming to Old Trafford.
United have already snapped up two big-name signings in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team at INEOS continue their considerable overhaul.
They spent a hefty fee of around £59 million on 18-year-old Yoro, who is expected miss the start of the upcoming Premier League campaign with a foot injury sustained in pre-season.
Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, has not ruled out signing another centre-back before the transfer window closes.
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"I think we are occupied [in that position] but we work continually," he said. "The good thing is we already signed two players, but it belongs to a club like Manchester United that you are still looking."
Jarrad Branthwaite remains of interest to United, although Everton's valuation of £70 million has raised eyebrows.
Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs De Ligt, meanwhile, is believed to be a more realistic target at around £42 million.
Last month, it was reported that United were edging closer to completing a move for De Ligt after Ten Hag stepped up his so-called 'charm offensive'.
The club have already agreed personal terms with the Dutch defender, who is said to be keen on a reunion with his former boss.
In fact, United were previously optimistic that a deal could be done after Ten Hag spoke to De Ligt about his plans for the upcoming season.
Several weeks later and speculation around a possible deal has not disappeared, especially after Ten Hag was asked by a young fan if De Ligt was on his way to Old Trafford.
As you can see from the footage above, Ten Hag refuses to play down a move for De Ligt, saying: “ You want him, eh?”. Another fan in the background then asks about their interest in midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Last month, Ten Hag discussed United's ongoing pursuit of De Ligt during an interview with Dutch publication AD Sportwereld.
"We still have to wait and see whether De Ligt will come," he said. “But the good thing is, during my vacation I was out of the process for three or four weeks. During that period it was really the club, the newly established scouting and recruitment department, that brought in these players.
“The fact that there are also Dutch players among them is actually a coincidence. Primarily these were players who were brought in by our organisation.
"But of course I support them, let that be clear – and we still make the choice together.”
He added: "I know Matthijs well, of course, I'm not going to deny that. Two years ago I wanted to get him, but he was already very far along with Bayern Munich.
"But believe it or not, he didn't come specifically from my head in this process."
