Man United 'told' exactly how much to pay in race to sign next big-money transfer

Manchester United are ramping up their summer business with the pending arrival of Leny Yoro. The Red Devils have beaten the competition to snap up the highly sought-after defender in a £50 million swoop. The 18-year-old has completed his medical in England and reports claim the official announcement is now imminent.

Yoro is set to join Joshua Zirkzee at the club as United undergo this restructure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Reds are still on the market for new defensive options though, following on from reports that they are willing to listen to offer to sell the majority of their first team.

One major name still connected with the club is Matthijs de Ligt. United are looking to reunite the Dutchman with Erik ten Hag, as the two spent time together during their spells at Ajax. De Ligt is a name who has almost constantly been on English clubs’ radars over the last few years and United are hoping to be the ones to finally bring him over.

Talks between the two parties have reportedly stalled a little though, as the Red Devils struggle to agree a price with Bayern. According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, United are still in the picture for De Ligt as they want to bring in ‘at least’ two new centre-backs this summer, so the appointment of Yoro does not mean they have ended interest in the Bayern star.

However, the Bavarians are reportedly asking for €50 million (£42m) to part ways with De Ligt, while United are only willing to pay €40 million (£34m). The Netherlands international is also on a ‘healthy contract’ in Munich, and is expected to be one of the highest paid players at Old Trafford, if the move comes to fruition.

Even amid the delay of talks, Bailey believes the transfer will still materialise this summer and United will eventually get their hands on De Ligt.

Speaking on the MUFCMPB podcast, he said: “I still think De Ligt will get done. I think as long as Bayern drop their asking price, I think €40 million is a bit of a hit for them but given his wages, they need to get him off the bill and United are willing to take most of that. Bayern need to come back with a reduced fee, from my understanding, United still want him and it’s still ongoing. United would ideally like to have De Ligt and Yoro next to [Lisandro] Martínez.”