Manchester United have started “formal talks” with Bayern Munich about signing Matthijs de Ligt, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The former CBS Sports reporter says that “initial discussions” have centred around the fee, with the Red Devils hoping to do a deal for €40m (£34m).
Fans on X believe de Ligt would be a bargain at that price, and they are keenly anticipating their club sealing his signature:
€40m is a steal.
— Jamie Martin (@ImJamieMartin) July 2, 2024
Get it done
— Muhammed Ashraf 🎭💎 (@MALUHTR) July 2, 2024
40m euro is a bargain
— Jopierre Xerri (@JopierreX) July 2, 2024
Pay them asap
— Chuks Ohax (@ChuksOhaxx) July 2, 2024
£34M is superb for a player of his quality in this market
— Lucas ™️ (@Lucas_UTD) July 2, 2024
That’s a good deal
— UNITED LAD (^_-🔴 (@UTDFEVER_6) July 2, 2024
Agree on that fee and run away before they change their mind 😭
— Big smoke 💨 (@michaelamiri_) July 2, 2024
We are finally not getting ripped off 😭
— Aliyu Hussein Omar (@AliyuUm94772841) July 2, 2024
Why have United decided to pursue de Ligt?
Earlier in the summer, it was reported that the centre-half was quite a way down the club’s list of options but circumstances have forced them into changing targets.
It is believed that the Red Devils were quite advanced in talks to recruit Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice but the deal was scuppered by UEFA rules. Their attempts to sign Jarrad Branthwaite also failed as they refused to meet Everton’s £70m valuation.
Bayern may hold out for a higher fee
There have been conflicting stories about de Ligt’s asking price. Some in the German media have suggested that Bayern want as much as €70m (£59m), while others have claimed they will demand around €50m (£42m) plus bonuses.
United may well have to up their initial proposal if they do want to have a bid accepted for the 24-year-old in short order.
