Manchester United are “leading the race” to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, according to TuttoJuve.com.

The Italian website claims that Arsenal have also “expressed interest” in the Netherlands international but the Red Devils are the ones pressing to secure the player’s signature.

It is believed that “negotiations are ongoing” with de Ligt’s agent, with the former Juventus defender having grown unsettled at Bayern due to a lack of game time.

Tutto Juve report that de Ligt could be made available for transfer at the end of the season, with his price tag set at around €50m (£43m).

Bayern’s sporting director has spoken out about de Ligt’s future

Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel has only started the centre-half in 8 league matches this season, and he was benched for the 3-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen last weekend.

It prompted further speculation about de Ligt’s future, which forced sporting director Christoph Freund to say:

“Of course, he’s disappointed, but we are happy with him.”

United are in the market for a centre-back

It is expected that the Red Devils will strengthen the centre of defence this summer. The likes of Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Lille’s Leny Yoro are known to be on the club’s radar, along with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Considering de Ligt’s current situation, it would not be a surprise if United’s recruitment department have also taken a keen interest in him. However, it must be emphasised that the Red Devils are in the middle of a restructuring following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

They are believed to be keen on appointing Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth as sporting director and there is no guarantee that, if he arrives at Old Trafford, he will want to target de Ligt or any of the other names mentioned.