Man Utd ‘carefully considering’ Matthijs de Ligt move as Jarrad Branthwaite moves on

Manchester United are considering a move for Matthijs de Ligt, who is ‘independent’ of following Jarrad Branthwaite, according to a report.

The Red Devils are in the market for at least one centre-back after a poor defensive season and the departure of Raphael Varane on a free transfer.

The two players linked with United are Bayern Munich’s De Ligt and Everton’s Branthwaite. Athletic reported that they are ‘carefully considering’ the former’s move regardless of their plans to sign the latter.

De Ligt is said to have had a long-term following at the club since his days at Ajax, where he captained the club under current United boss Erik ten Hag.

The Dutch defender left Juventus in 2019 for €75 million plus another €10 million in add-ons. He played 117 games for the Bianconeri and helped them win three trophies.

In 2022, De Ligt signed for Bayern for a fee of up to €77m. He has made 73 appearances for the Bavarians so far, but is one of three defenders – along with Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano – who have been linked with a move away this summer.

90 min It was previously reported that although United are indeed fans of De Ligt, they will be put off by any money demanded by Bayern and the player’s potential wage demands.

Meanwhile, United have seen their £42m bid for Branthwaite splashed out by Everton. They could still go back to the England international and it is possible that United will sign him and De Ligt, although this could depend on their ability to sell other players from the Ten Hag squad.

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