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Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Matthijs de Ligt and they could get their own back on Manchester United. The La Liga giants' initial top defensive target this summer was Leny Yoro, but the highly-rated French teenager joined the Red Devils.
Reports from Spain (via TEAMTalk) claim Los Blancos view De Ligt as the ideal candidate to strengthen their defense. The Dutchman has informed Bayern Munich that he wants to leave, and Madrid are enticed to take advantage of this.
De Ligt, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer. He's interested in a reunion with Erik ten Hag, who previously managed him at Ajax.
However, United are yet to agree on a fee with Bayern despite agreeing on personal terms with the Netherlands international. They are still keen to add another defender to their squad despite Yoro's arrival from LOSC Lille.
Yoro looked likely to join Real Madrid this summer amid constant talk that they were his dream transfer. The reigning La Liga champions prioritized him as their top defensive target, with figures deeming him the 'Kylian Mbappe of defenders.'
However, Manchester United agreed on a reported £58.9 million deal with Lille. Los Merengues was unwilling to match that offer, so he joined Ten Hag's side instead.
Real Madrid can hit back by signing De Ligt, whom Ten Hag has known well from their time at Ajax. He endured a frustrating past season at the Allianz Arena, starting 16 of 22 Bundesliga games, helping his side keep 12 clean sheets.
Florentino Perez is ready to offer £33 million for De Ligt, which is £9 million below Bayern's valuation. The Dutch center-back has three years left on his contract with the Bundesliga giants.
Real Madrid could have a free run at Matthijs de Ligt as Manchester United turn to Antonio Silva: Reports
Manchester United may be growing impatient with Bayern's stance over De Ligt's price tag. The Red Devils had a £29.5 million bid rejected for the Dutchman and are yet to return with a fresh bid.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo reports that Benfica's Antonio Silva has become an option for the Old Trafford outfit. They are long-term admirers of the Portuguese youngster, 20, who has impressed in Liga Portugal.
Silva was a mainstay in Roger Schmidt's side last season, making 50 appearances and helping his side keep 20 clean sheets. He's another young European defender who is tipped for a bright future.
However, Silva has a release clause, which is said to be around £84.3 million. That fee is impossible for Manchester United as they look to strengthen in other areas of Ten Hag's squad.
The Red Devils are hoping to negotiate a lower fee than the release clause and De Ligt's valuation. This paves the way for Real Madrid to pursue the Dutchman without worrying about INEOS' rampant start to their co-ownership at Old Trafford.
