Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils 'told De Ligt asking price'

Bayern Munich have reportedly informed Manchester United of their asking price for defender Matthijs de Ligt.

In his two years at the Allianz Arena, De Ligt has managed to accumulate 61 starts and 12 substitute outings in all competitions.

That is a fair return for someone who cost an alleged £65.6m when arriving from Juventus, yet the Netherlands international has never totally settled in Germany.

De Ligt found himself in and out of the team under Thomas Tuchel last season and it remains to be seen who Vincent Kompany will view as his first-choice options for 2024-25.

While there was a scenario where the 24-year-old could have been used more regularly in a back three or four, it appears increasingly likely that he will be sold during the summer transfer window.

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Man United learn Bayern demands for De Ligt

Over the past 48 hours, the suggestion has been that United head coach Erik ten Hag has settled on the former Ajax man as his preferred target at centre-back.

The pair are no strangers to each other having worked with each other at the Dutch giants, with a reunion now looking more likely than not should a fee be agreed.

United are already said to have put a five-year contract on the table for De Ligt, the onus being on lowering the age of their defensive options while also improving the quality.

According to Sky Sport Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg, who was commenting on X, United have been told that they must pay €50m (£42.44m) if they wish to finalise a deal.

As it stands, no official offer has been proposed by the Premier League, although it is likely to be forthcoming given their desire to win the race for his signature.

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Can United afford De Ligt?

While it is no secret that United are in the market for at least one new centre-back this summer, it appears that there are limitations in place over what they are prepared to spend.

If reports are to be believed, United barely offered 50% of Everton's asking price for Jarrad Branthwaite, which is said to stand in the region of £80m.

On the face of it, meeting Bayern's demands for De Ligt appear far more realistic, particularly when there is a desire from the Bundesliga outfit to cash in as soon as possible.

With the date for the latest accounts to be filed with the Premier League having now passed, United officials may also be prepared to push harder to acquire their desired targets, even if it means that sales need to be made over the next two months.