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Manchester United have reportedly had a €35 million offer for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt rejected. The Red Devils are interested in signing the Dutch center-back and reuniting him with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
BILD's Christian Falk reports that Bayern have turned down the offer as they demand €50 million plus add-ons for De Ligt. The Bundesliga giants are under pressure to sell players to continue their transfer business this summer.
Manchester United will continue negotiating with the Bavarians for the 45-cap Netherlands international. He looks to be the Red Devils' next defensive target after signing Leny Yoro, 18, from LOSC Lille.
De Ligt's future was in doubt heading into the latter stages of last season under former manager Thomas Tuchel. The German coach started preferring the likes of Eric Dier, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae over the Dutchman. He made 30 appearances across competitions, helping his side keep nine clean sheets.
Bayern board member Uli Hoeneß fuelled further talk of De Ligt heading to Manchester United when speaking yesterday (July 21). He highlighted how Ten Hag is of the same nationality as the center-back and said that one defender could depart the Allianz Arena.
De Ligt enjoyed a meteoric rise under Ten Hag at Ajax before leaving for Juventus in 2019. Under his compatriot, he was viewed as one of Europe's brightest defensive talents, captaining the Eredivisie giants at age 19.
"I will not deny that" - Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag hinted at reunion with Matthijs de Ligt
Ten Hag confirmed Manchester United's interest in De Ligt when speaking to Dutch outlet AD Sportwereld two days ago. The Dutch coach said:
"It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that."
The Red Devils boss shed light on his desire to previously sign De Ligt when arriving at Old Trafford in July 2022:
"I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time, he was already very far along to join Bayern Munich but believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process."
De Ligt would be another of Ten Hag's former players who have joined him at United since his arrival. Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Andre Onana, and Sofyan Amrabat reunited with the Dutch tactician after playing under him in the Eredivisie.
Ten Hag's defense is getting a major repair after a season of constant injury issues. Yoro has replaced Raphael Varane, and there are question marks regarding Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof's futures.
