Matthijs de Ligt has made it clear that he would be open to joining Manchester United this summer as he doesn't want to play second fiddle at Bayern Munich.
United's thirst for a new centre-half is no secret, having been heavily linked with Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite already this window. Now, Sky Germany reports that De Ligt would be interested in a move to the Red Devils after finding game time hard to come by at his current club.
Though an offer is yet to tabled and talks remain internal, it is clear that the defender is disgruntled by his lack of first-team football and would be open to moving on.
The pecking order at Bayern Munich sees De Ligt having to compete with Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae and former Tottenham man Eric Dier for minutes. Despite only being recruited two years ago, a range of injuries and form struggles has left the Dutch international on the fringe in Germany.
The defender has previously hinted at the possibility he may seek greener pastures this summer, but insists he will wait until after the Euros to do so. Prior to the Netherlands kicking off their Euro 2024 campaign, De Ligt stated: "‘I’ve already said this is not the time for me to think about it.
"We’re playing at the Euros now and that’s very important for me and the national team. That’s why I can’t say now what I think about this situation. For now I’m focused on the Euros and then we’ll see what happens."
Raphael Varane has left on a free transfer this summer, while Jonny Evans is yet to be offered a new deal. That means that United are in desperate need of a new defender to bolster their ranks.
De Ligt was the subject of a £72million move to Juventus from Erik Ten Hag's Ajax side, following their shining Champions League run in 2019. However, has since admitted that the move was a step backwards.
Bayern came in for De Ligt in 2022 and sealed a £68million deal, but now the Dutchman finds himself in an all too familiar position as he seems to be heading for the departure lounge once again. Though any move need to wait until after the Euros, it seems that the defender is keen on a move to United, which would see him reunite with his former manager Ten Hag under whom he undoubtedly played the best of his football to date.