Manchester United are considering a move for the Bayern Munich centre-half Matthijs de Ligt.
United’s interest is independent of their pursuit of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, with the club ideally looking to recruit two central defenders this summer.
De Ligt, 24, has been on United’s radar for years and played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
The Netherlands international, currently competing at Euro 2024 with his country, has three years left on his existing contract at Bayern, who are interested in signing the Barcelona and Uruguay defender Ronald Araújo. United are yet to open formal discussions with De Ligt’s club but have been alerted to his potential availability.
It is thought he would cost considerably less than the £65 million fee Bayern paid Juventus for the player in 2022. De Ligt, who has had his injury issues in more recent times, had previously joined the Italian club from Ajax for £68 million.
United are one of several leading clubs pursuing a deal for Lille’s highly-rated teenage centre-half Leny Yoro but there is a feeling he is likely to end up at Real Madrid.
With Raphaël Varane having been released at the end of the season, United are in the market for a pedigree right-footed centre-half.
There are doubts over the futures of both Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. United would consider bids for either player.
Branthwaite remains a leading target but United had an opening offer worth £43 million including add-ons rejected for the England defender. Everton are holding out for at least £70 million which United have no intention of playing.
United had wanted to bid for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo but have been blocked from doing so under Uefa’s new rules governing multi-club ownership. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a decisive influence in both clubs.
Jonny Evans could yet be given a one-year contract extension as United want to see how their centre-half plans unfold.
A holding midfielder and striker are United’s other transfer priorities. They are interested in the Paris St-Germain and Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte and Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee. Lille’s Jonathan David is another striker on their radar.