Manchester United reportedly hold an interest in signing a Bayern Munich defender during the summer transfer window.
Earlier this week, the club's footballing operations team determined that Erik ten Hag would remain as head coach after a thorough end-of-season review.
With speculation regarding that position having now ended, United can focus on trying to strengthening their squad ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Adding quality and depth to their central-defensive department is top priority with Raphael Varane having already departed the club on a free transfer.
There are also doubts over the futures of other players in that position, leading to the likelihood of at least one high-profile name arriving at Old Trafford over the coming months.
Reports have indicated that United have already managed to agree personal terms with Jarrad Branthwaite, although they are yet to match Everton's valuation of the England international.
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De Ligt on Man United's radar
However, it has been widely reported that there are other centre-backs on their shortlist, including one that has previously played under Ten Hag.
According to Sky Sport Deutschland, United are yet to rule out making a big-money offer for Matthijs de Ligt.
The Netherlands international is no stranger to enjoying success under Ten Hag having won the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup with Ajax during the 2018-19 campaign.
De Ligt has subsequently earned transfers to each of Juventus and Bayern Munich, yet he has frequently remained linked with a move to the Premier League.
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Would Man United pay £65m for De Ligt
Still just 24 years of age, De Ligt is still rated as one of the best centre-backs in world football, but he was not always first choice under Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena last season.
A total of 21 starts and seven substitute outings were made in Bundesliga and Champions League matches, De Ligt facing competition from Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano and Eric Dier.
Bayern, now under Vincent Kompany, are known to be in the market for another player for the aforementioned position, making it plausible that De Ligt could move elsewhere.
Nevertheless, with United's budget allegedly limited due to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, it remains to be seen how they act, with it realistic that whoever represents the better value out of Branthwaite and De Ligt getting the nod.
Darren Plant
