Manchester United are looking to enter the race to sign Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to the Corriere Dello Sport.

Using a tagline, “Now ten Hag is serious”, the Italian newspaper claims that the Dutchman is keen on reuniting with his former player at Old Trafford.

Chelsea have been the club most heavily linked with de Ligt in recent days but it is believed that the Blues’ opening offer for the centre-back, which was reportedly €45m (£39m) plus Timo Werner, was way below Juve’s valuation.

The Corriere Dello Sport believe that the Serie A side want around €115m (£99m) in cash, which is slightly below the 22-year-old’s release clause.

It’s hard to see United matching that asking price, and it may well be the case that the Red Devils are being dragged into another transfer saga, in order to force Chelsea into upping their opening offer. If a respected journalist in the UK does corroborate this story, though, fans should then sit up and take notice.