Man Utd learn Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt price tag as transfer pursuit ramps up

Bayern are seeking a guaranteed €50 million (£42m/$54m) for De Ligt, as reported by Sky Sport Germany. That figure would then be further inflated by various add-ons. Agent Rafaela Pimenta is already described as "working on a top solution" and Bayern are claimed to be contact with United.

A move to Old Trafford would see De Ligt reunite with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, under whom he flourished while still a teenager. That past bond, on top of the player's availability, appears to be a motivating factor as De Ligt is "willing" to move to United and Ten Hag "really wants him". But there has been no formal offer from Manchester just yet, although a report suggests a contract proposal has been put to De Ligt.

Depending on the size of the add-ons, De Ligt could become the third most expensive centre-back in United history behind Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. A new central defender is high on the list of transfer priorities this summer following Raphael Varane's exit, uncertainty over Victor Lindelof's long-term future and Jonny Evans not yet re-signed.

While his club future remains the subject of discussion behind the scenes, De Ligt is currently with Netherlands ahead of Tuesday night's Euro 2024 last 16 clash with Romania. He didn't get on the pitch during the group stage, with coach Ronald Koeman preferring to start Stefan de Vrij alongside Virgil van Dijk.