Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag would be interested in signing Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to journalist Matteo Moretto.
The Spanish reporter has confirmed that ten Hag “likes” de Ligt but the Red Devils are currently “focused” on securing the services of Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez:
Asunto de Ligt 🇳🇱
▫️El Chelsea se ha movido antes y está por delante.
▫️El Bayern, en contacto con Juve y entorno.
▫️El precio, alto, condiciona.
▫️El City, a la espera de que se resuelva el futuro de Aké.
▫️El United, enfocado en Lisandro Martínez, pero a ten Hag le gusta. https://t.co/cwwtSo4DrY— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) July 5, 2022
Moretto mentions that there are four other teams pursuing de Ligt. Chelsea are still “ahead” in the race, but Bayern Munich and Manchester City are also believed to be in contention to snap up the centre-back.
The main issue for all the clubs involved is the price tag, with a number of reports suggesting that Juve are holding out for around €100m (£86m).
With Martinez thought to be available for half the amount, it is not a surprise that United have decided to devote their resources to signing the Argentinian international instead, but they will still have to see off Arsenal to land the 24-year-old.