Bayern Munich have rejected an opening offer from Manchester United for centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports in Germany.
The Red Devils have already signed Leny Yoro from Lille but are on the hunt for a second new defensive recruit and, with Everton standing firm over their £70m asking price for Jarrad Branthwaite, have turned their attention to De Ligt.
United boss Erik ten Hag even recently went public with his interest in De Ligt, who emerged as one of Europe’s top young prospects during their mutual time at Ajax.
Now, BILD state that United have lodged their first bid for De Ligt worth an initial €30m (£25.3m) plus a further €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons.
Bayern wasted little time in rejecting United’s proposal, with the Bundesliga side looking for at least €50m (£42.1m) to part ways with De Ligt.
In response to Ten Hag’s comments, honorary Bayern president Uli Hoeness insisted he would be happy to keep De Ligt, but refused to close the door to a summer exit.
“It’s possible that a defender will leave,” he said. “De Ligt is Dutch, the coach at Manchester United is Dutch. I would have no problem if he stays.”
Hoeness went on to confirm that Bayern will need to sell more players before they can sign more fresh faces for Vincent Kompany’s squad.
“No more players will come unless two or three players leave first,” he stressed. “We now have three additional players, who cost a total of €125m. €125m!”
United find themselves in a similar situation. After splashing out on Yoro and Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils need to raise funds through further sales before they can pursue other targets like De Ligt and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are both facing uncertain futures in United’s back line, while the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro and Scott McTominay have all been linked with moves away from Old Trafford.
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