July 10th 2024.
It seems that Manchester United's pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich is finally coming to fruition. According to reports from Germany, United have made a significant breakthrough in their attempt to secure the talented centre-back's services.
The Red Devils have been in talks with De Ligt for several weeks now, as they look to bolster their defense ahead of the upcoming Premier League season. And it seems that United's efforts have paid off, with sources revealing that manager Erik ten Hag has already spoken to the player about a potential move to Old Trafford.
Ten Hag, who previously worked with De Ligt during their time at Ajax, is said to be a huge admirer of the Dutchman and has convinced him to consider a move to the Premier League. However, Bayern have been holding out for a hefty €50 million transfer fee for the 24-year-old.
De Ligt is currently with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024, but that hasn't stopped United from making progress in their pursuit. According to Bild, the club is close to reaching an agreement with Bayern, as they have shown a willingness to meet De Ligt's asking price.
It's believed that United are keen to wrap up the deal as soon as possible, with the report stating that they want to finalize things once De Ligt's Euro 2024 campaign comes to an end. The defender is yet to make an appearance at the tournament, but has been a crucial part of the Netherlands squad.
Despite starting just 16 games for Bayern last season, De Ligt remains a highly sought-after player in the transfer market. The German club, on the other hand, are open to letting him go as they look to bring in Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah as a replacement.
When asked about his future at Bayern, De Ligt remained coy, stating that his focus is currently on the Euros and that he will consider his options after the tournament. The young defender has enjoyed two successful seasons with Bayern and is grateful for the experience, but is keeping his options open for now.
As for United, securing De Ligt's signature would be a major coup and would strengthen their defense significantly. With the deal seemingly approaching its conclusion, fans can look forward to seeing the talented centre-back in action at Old Trafford next season.
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