Matthijs de Ligt to Man Utd round-up: Talks 'progressing', transfer fee and Erik ten Hag influence

Manchester United are reportedly working on a deal to snap up Matthijs de Ligt.

The defender has emerged as a key target for the Red Devils this summer as Erik ten Hag looks to boost his squad with some reinforcements.

De Ligt, who is 24-years-old, is currently on the books at Bayern Munich but his future in Germany is now up in the air. Here is a look at the latest update regarding his situation...

Not imminent

United’s swoop for the centre-back isn’t as imminent as some sources are reporting. That’s according to journalist David Ornstein, who speaking to The Athletic, has said: “As things stand, Manchester United are working on this De Ligt deal. I think some of the reports saying that a fee is close. My information is that’s not necessarily accurate.

“I don’t mean to sound any alarm, but as things stand, it is something Manchester United continue to work on. I don’t have any sense of it being imminent, about to be done and announced.

“Famous last words, this podcast comes out, and he’s holding up a United shirt. Well, he’s not, because he’s at the Euros, so we’ll be okay on that front, but I think a bit of patience is required on this.”

The Holland international has made 42 caps for his country so far but struggled for game time at Euro 2024.

He rose up through the academy ranks at Ajax and worked under Ten Hag during their time in Amsterdam together.

De Ligt went on to make 117 games for the Eredivisie giants altogether and chipped in with 13 goals from the back.

Juventus then lured him away in 2019 and he spent three years in Italy, playing 117 matches again.

Bayern Munich moved in a couple of years ago and he has been a regular for them but is being heavily tipped with an exit now to England.

Fee update

Reporter Fabrizio Romano has claimed on X that United and Bayern are ‘close’ to agreeing a fee with ‘talks progressing’. The price tag is said to be €50million, with Bologna’s Joshua Kirkzee also on Ten Hag’s radar.

De Ligt enjoyed working with the Red Devils’ manager at Ajax. When the Dutchman went to Old Trafford, he tipped him for success and said at the time: "He is someone who loves his job and he loves to work. He wants to do everything to make his team play better.

“He's really into the details. This makes him a really good trainer who improves players. He has a lot of qualities to succeed and we will have to see how he goes.”

Ten Hag has since guided United to the League Cup and FA Cup and has been rewarded with a contract extension. However, he will be under pressure to perform in the league next term.

De Ligt would be an eye-catching signing and would add more quality to their backline if they are able to get a deal over the line.