Manchester United have offered a five-year contract to Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to De Telegraaf.
The Dutch newspaper claims that an agreement on personal terms has not been reached yet but it is unlikely to be an issue.
De Ligt has emerged as United’s no.1 target to reinforce the centre of defence, with the Netherlands international having moved above Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite on the club’s list of options.
The Red Devils previously had a £45m offer (including add-ons) rejected by the Toffees and they have, therefore, decided to try their luck with de Ligt instead.
United still need to agree a transfer fee with Bayern
Despite appearing to have the approval of de Ligt, there are plenty of obstacles still to overcome if the player is to complete his transfer to Old Trafford.
It is believed that Bayern could demand as much as €70m (£59m) for the Dutchman, which is reportedly double the €35m (£30m) that United are currently willing to pay.
That is a significant gap between the two valuations and it remains to be seen if a compromise can be reached in order for the move to go ahead.
Are other centre-backs being targeted?
De Ligt is by no means the only central defender on the Manchester club’s radar. As well as the aforementioned Branthwaite, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is known to be of particular interest.
The likes of Lille’s Leny Yoro and Juventus’s Gleison Bremer have also been considered but, for the time being, it does look as though de Ligt is the player that United have identified as their top priority.
He would be the fourth former Ajax player that Erik ten Hag has signed during his time at the Red Devils, along with Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez and Antony.
