Man Utd handed major blow in chase for Matthijs de Ligt as transfer bombshell changes everything

Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt as a huge update has changed the landscape of the proposed transfer.

Man United have signed Leny Yoro from Lille and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna this summer.

The Red Devils remain in the market for another centre-back, with Yoro, who joined the club in a transfer worth £58.9 million, suffering a crushing injury blow that will keep him out of action for at least three months.

De Ligt is thought to be high on Man United's transfer wish-list, with Ten Hag working with the defender during his time in charge of Ajax.

But a move for the Dutch defender has been complicated by Bayern Munich's pursuit of Jonathan Tah.

According to German outlet BILD, Bayer Leverkusen have given Bayern a deadline to finalise a transfer for Tah because they want clarity for their squad ahead of the new season.

Leverkusen are pushing for a final decision from Bayern.

The report states that if there's no offer by the weekend, then Tah will stay at the club and go into the final year of his contract.

The defending Bundesliga champions want €30 million (£26 million) for the 28-year-old German international otherwise there won't be a transfer.

Erik ten Hag hopes to lure Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United this summer. Image: Getty

Last month, Ten Hag was asked about Man United's interest in the 24-year-old as he confirmed their pursuit but admitted he's unsure whether he'll switch sides this summer.

"It remains to be seen whether Matthijs de Ligt will come, I know him well," he revealed.

"I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time, he was already very far along to join Bayern. Believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process.

"During my vacation I was three or four weeks out of the process. During that period it was really the club, the newly equipped scouting and recruitment department, that brought in these players.

"The fact that there are also Dutch people among them is in fact a coincidence. Primarily, these were players who were proposed from our organisation. But of course, I support it, let that be clear. And we still make the choice together."