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Man United talks with £42m defensive target 'proceeding well'

Erik ten Hag 'moving closer' to Dutch reunion with £42m target
© Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly progressing well in talks with Bayern Munich for defender Matthijs de Ligt, who is valued at £42m by the Bundesliga giants.

Manchester United have reportedly edged closer to the signing of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The 24-year-old has spent the summer on international duty with Netherlands, who have been looking to secure their second-ever European Championship success.

However, Ronald Koeman's side were unable to add their own legend following the nation's 1988 success after losing to England in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.

Netherlands raced into an early lead thanks to a wonderful strike from Xavi Simons, however goals either side of the half-time whistle from Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins sealed the Three Lions' spot in the final on Sunday.

De Ligt did not manage to get any game time at Euro 2024 despite playing for one of Europe's biggest club sides, with Koeman preferring a centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij.

Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt in October 2023.© Reuters

Man United's De Ligt talks 'proceeding well'

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are progressing well in their mission to bring De Ligt to the Premier League this summer.

The report claims that the defender told his agent two weeks ago that the Red Devils are the only side that he wishes to transfer away from the Bavarians to this summer.

It is understood that personal terms between De Ligt and Man United have already been agreed, with the 24-year-old shaking hands on a five-year deal.

The only obstacle between a move to the Theatre of Dreams for the Dutchman is the two clubs finalising a transfer fee, however talks over such an agreement are said to be progressing well.

Vincent Kompany's side are demanding £42m for De Ligt, who has fallen behind the likes of Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae in the centre-back pecking order at the Allianz Arena.

Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee on May 11, 2024© Reuters

Man United to welcome Dutch duo

It is believed that Erik ten Hag's side are aiming to confirm the signings of Dutch duo De Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee as soon as possible with the 2024-25 term fast approaching.

Despite playing a single minute of football combined at Euro 2024 for Netherlands, there is no doubting the ability between the pair of compatriots.

Ten Hag is aware of De Ligt's talents, having managed the Ajax side that the then-19-year-old captained to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

Placing faith in the Dutch head coach after a difficult 2023-24 term, Man United's hierarchy will expect the club to be fighting for major European honours in the near future.

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Manchester United's Erik ten Hag celebrates in August 2023
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