Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is a candidate to strengthen Manchester United’s defence this summer, according to The Times reporter Paul Hirst.

The journalist has confirmed that manager Erik ten Hag is interested in recruiting the 22-year-old, who he worked with during his time at Ajax.

Reports in the Italian media over the past week have mentioned United and Chelsea as two potential suitors for de Ligt, who could potentially become available for a reasonable price.

As things stand, the Netherlands international is thought to have a €120m (£102m) release clause but it is believed this figure could be lowered in the next few months.

De Ligt has two years remaining on his contract with Juve, and it is said that one of the conditions for him to sign an extension will be to lower his buyout fee. Some have claimed it could go as low as €70m (£59.6m) but we shall see if that does in fact happen.