Manchester United's latest bid for next transfer target 'rejected' after 'significantly less' claim

Manchester United have seen their latest bid for centre-back Matthijs de Ligt rejected by Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga club want £42.2m plus add-ons for the 24-year-old, according to reports in Germany.

Erik ten Hag has already bolstered his centre-back options for the 2024-25 campaign after signing the highly-rated Leny Yoro from Lille in a deal worth up to £62m. United landed the player despite interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool and La Liga giants Real Madrid.

The Red Devils are out to add another player to their central defensive unit this summer after Raphaël Varane left Old Trafford following the conclusion of his contract. ManchesterWorld revealed last week a move for De Ligt will now likely hinge on whether or not they manage to sell Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire or both this summer.

De Ligt has been identified as a target alongside Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that United are ‘offering significantly less than €40m’ for the player. He adds that Bayern are not willing to budge on their valuation of €50m plus bonus payments and are not open to negotiating on a lower transfer fee.

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has already hinted that De Ligt could be sold this summer, telling German media last weekend: “It’s possible that a defender will leave. De Ligt is Dutch, the coach at Manchester United is Dutch… I would have no problem if he stays. Personally, I would not sell Upamecano.”

The Netherlands international appears a more realistic option for the Red Devils compared to Branthwaite, with Everton standing firm over the centre-back. United have reportedly made offers to the Toffees but the Goodison Park club are demanding around £75m-£80m to sanction an exit. Amadou Onana’s £50m move to Aston Villa has further strengthened Everton’s hand as they are no longer under pressure to sell an asset such as Branthwaite in order to balance the books. The Toffees are also planning to offer the centre-back a new deal to put an end to United’s pursuit, which, if agreed, could leave De Ligt as the club’s main target.