Man Utd plot big move for Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt as Erik ten Hag eyes reunion with former Ajax defender

The Athletic reports the 24-year-old has emerged as a concrete target as United look to strengthen their defence. Transfer negotiations are yet to happen but Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag, who worked alongside the centre-back at Ajax, would welcome a reunion.

After Raphael Varane left as a free agent, United need central defensive reinforcements - particularly with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez missing spells of the season due to injury. The report adds De Ligt will be a more realistic summer transfer recruit than Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, who could cost more than £70 million ($89m).

The 6ft 2in player began his career at Ajax before moving to Juventus in 2019. After three years at the Serie A side, the Netherlands international moved to Bayern. In his relatively short career, he has won trophies with every club he has represented.

While United may push ahead with negotiations in the coming weeks, De Ligt is currently out in Germany with the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024. However, he is behind Stefan de Vrij and Virgil van Dijk in the Dutch defensive pecking order.