Manchester United have agreed personal terms with top transfer target Matthijs de Ligt, as their move for the Bayern Munich centre-back edges closer.
Bayern are demanding a £42million fee for the 24-year-old Netherlands international and United are understood to be optimistic that a deal can be done. De Ligt, who's yet to feature for his country at Euro 2024, is keen on a reunion with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
Mirror Football understands that the pair have already held direct talks, with Ten Hag stepping up the charm offensive in an effort to convince the defender. The United manager told De Ligt about his plans for the club, having been kept in charge despite a largely wretched season which ended with an FA Cup win.
Last week, Old Trafford chiefs including part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to trigger the one-year extension clause in Ten Hag's contract, retaining his services until 2026. The Dutchman wants De Ligt to be the bedrock of United's defence for years to come, having only been 19 when he and Ten Hag helped Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Bayern won't stand De Ligt's way if the Red Devils meet their valuation and the player himself is only interested in moving to Old Trafford. Recently-appointed Bayern boss Vincent Kompany is already on the verge of signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah to replace the Dutchman, after missing out on the Bundesliga title for the first time in 12 years under Thomas Tuchel.
United's plan is to sign two centre-backs before the summer transfer window closes on August 30.
The Red Devils have already had two bids rejected for Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite, the latest being worth a total £50m, while the club are refusing to comment on suggestions that they've agreed terms with Lille for £40million Leny Yoro, the 18-year-old centre-back. He is believed to prefer a move to Real Madrid, while Liverpool and PSG are also keen.
Ten Hag waved goodbye to Raphael Varane at the end of last season following the expiry of his contract. United also remain in talks to hand veteran Jonny Evans a short-term extension, although currently only Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Willy Kambwala are under contract.
Maguire has been linked with a move away while Lindelof could also be sold to generate funds. United are leaning into their existing relationship with De Ligt's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, to get the deal done.
Ten Hag's squad were back at their Carrington training base on Monday for pre-season training.