Man Utd now 'confident' of signing 'full-blown superstar' after Erik ten Hag talks - report
Manchester United have been searching for a new centre-back in recent weeks and it appears they could find their solution in the near future.
Mirror claim that manager Erik ten Hag has been speaking directly with Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt to convince him over a transfer.
The Dutchman has provided assurance that his job is safe and De Ligt would be a defensive rock, partnering Lisandro Martinez in central defence.
United are increasingly confident of landing the 24-year-old for £43 million following direct contact between the manager and the Bayern defender.
Man Utd edge closer to striking De Ligt deal
The Red Devils have been exploring the transfer market for a marquee centre-back after making the decision to part ways with Raphael Varane on a free transfer.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite was initially the priority target for the Red Devils, but they were put off by the Toffees’ £70m valuation for the 21-year-old sensation.
This has turned their attention towards De Ligt whose time at Bayern could conclude with the club’s ongoing pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah.
The Munich giants have already signed Hiroki Ito from Stuttgart and the arrival of Tah from Leverkusen would further increase competition for places in the XI.
We are not surprised that De Ligt has chosen to move on. United would be an ideal destination for him particularly with the chance to reunite with Ten Hag.
The 54-year-old got the best out of De Ligt during their two-and-a-half year spell at Ajax. The Netherlands ace can cement a starting berth at United.
De Ligt had a passing accuracy of almost 94 percent in Bundesliga last term with 2.4 clearances and 3.3 ball recoveries. He won nearly 60 percent of his duels.
His recovery speed is a potential drawback, but he makes up for it with his strong positioning. He lost possession less than four times per game last season.
De Ligt, who has been described as a ‘full-blown superstar‘ by Bundesliga’s official website, would be a statement signing for the Red Devils this summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com