Manchester United 'seriously considering' deal for £59 million-rated defender as Erik ten Hag would 'welcome' move

Manchester United have identified a summer transfer target as they aim to strengthen their back line – and Erik ten Hag has 'welcomed' the move, according to a new report.

The Reds are likely to make a number of signings in the coming months as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team attempt to improve matters on the pitch.

They have prioritised strengthening four positions – a full-back, centre-back, central-midfielder and a striker.

Ratcliffe has recently criticised UEFA after they blocked United from making a summer move for OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, who impressed in Ligue 1 last season.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly 'keen' on joining the ranks at Old Trafford but there could be a significant sticking point in negotiations.

And now, another option has emerged. The Athletic report that United are 'seriously considering' a move for Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt.

The 24-year-old centre-back, who joined Bayern Munich from Juventus in 2022 for £68 million, made 16 starts for the Bundesliga giants last season.

He is seen by United as an 'increasingly viable candidate' to improve their back line, although negotiations are yet to take place.

David Ornstein suggests there is 'no certainty' that a move will happen but he has been deemed a 'concrete' target. Erik ten Hag is also open to a reunion after managing the player at Ajax.

When asked about his current situation while on international duty for the Netherlands this summer, De Ligt said: "I'm relatively calm. Moments like this can be difficult."

He added: "Talking about it helps you lighten up and give your energy on the pitch instead of wasting it in these kinds of thoughts."

Image credit: Getty

De Ligt looks to have been placed on United's shortlist but he won't come cheap.

According to Bild’s Christian Falk in his column for CaughtOffside, Bayern want €70 million (£59.3 million) for the player this summer. United, meanwhile, are only prepared to splash €35 million (£29.6 million).

The Dutch defender is a huge fan of Ten Hag. Back in 2022, after the former Ajax boss took over at Old Trafford, De Ligt backed his old manager to succeed in Manchester.

“He is someone who loves his job and he loves to work,” said De Ligt. “He’s really into the details. This makes him a really good trainer.

“He has a lot of qualities (to succeed). He definitely improves players. He wants to do everything to make his team play better.”