MX23RW : Friday, July 26 07:32:14| >> :120:35942:35942:

Man United transfer news: Red Devils 'fail' with offer for centre-back

No progress: Man United 'fail' with bid for top defensive target
© Imago
Manchester United reportedly fail with their latest effort to add another centre-back to their senior ranks during the summer transfer window.

Manchester United have reportedly made no progress in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Earlier this month, it seemed more likely than not that the Netherlands international would make the switch to Old Trafford after Euro 2024.

Reports indicated that the centre-back had agreed personal terms with United, who were also aware of the fee that was being demanded by Bayern.

However, the INEOS-backed Premier League giants instead got a deal over the line for Lille teenager Leny Yoro last week for a fee that far exceeded De Ligt's valuation.

Although Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala have each left the Theatre of Dreams, it was initially perceived that United may move on from trying to sign De Ligt.

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

United make formal bid

Instead, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk, who was commenting on X, United have made an offer of €35m (£29.5m) for the player.

Bayern are said to have rejected that bid out of hand, their stance said to remain at wanting in the region of £42m.

Furthermore, it is suggested that the Bundesliga outfit also want add-ons including in any proposal, making it increasingly difficult for United to reach a compromise.

That said, and what may be known by United, Bayern are allegedly in a position where they must sell players before they can more fresh faces to their squad.

De Ligt finds himself down in at least fourth place in the defensive pecking order at the Allianz Arena, potentially fifth courtesy of the arrival of Hiroki Ito.

Erik ten Hag and Matthijs de Ligt Ajax in Austria on July 19, 2024© Imago

Who will blink first?

Regardless of which way you look at this scenario, an element of patience may be required by all parties if they are to achieve their goal.

With United willing to pay close to £59m for an 18-year-old in Yoro, Bayern are understandably unwilling to budge on their current valuation of a proven centre-back with experience.

Meanwhile, United boss Erik ten Hag will naturally want De Ligt, who he worked with at Ajax, through the door as soon as possible, but United may need to sell before they can move closer to Bayern's asking price.

Honorary Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has already acknowledged that the 24-year-old could reunite with Ten Hag if a deal can be reached.

ID:548755:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4317:

Matthijs de Ligt future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Matthijs de Ligt

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt in October 2023.
Read Next:
Man United 'given' boost in De Ligt pursuit
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Bournemouth00000000
2Arsenal00000000
3Aston Villa00000000
4Brentford00000000
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton00000000
6Chelsea00000000
7Crystal Palace00000000
8Everton00000000
9Fulham00000000
10Ipswich TownIpswich00000000
11Leicester CityLeicester00000000
12Liverpool00000000
13Manchester CityMan City00000000
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd00000000
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle00000000
16Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest00000000
17Southampton00000000
18Tottenham HotspurSpurs00000000
19West Ham UnitedWest Ham00000000
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves00000000


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!