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After conceding a near-incredible 85 goals in all competitions last season, it is no surprise that Manchester United are prioritising fixing their leaky defence ahead of any other position.
Raphael Varane has left and questions are being raised about the futures of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. Jonny Evans’ current contract also ends in a few days.
INEOS need to find a long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez, but the club have so far had little success with their approach to Everton’s Jared Branthwaite.
The Red Devils also face huge hurdles when pursuing replacement targets such as Marc Guehi, Leni Yoro and Jean-Clair Todibo, and the club appears to be considering signing a player who has been a long-standing favorite of the manager.
United’s CB Exploration
Since arriving in Manchester, manager Erik ten Hag’s transfer strategy has been focused on bringing in players he has worked with in the past, including Martinez, Anthony and Andre Onana.
The manager is a huge fan of his former Ajax product Matthijs de Ligt and United are planning a move for the Bayern Munich star.
Bundesliga transfer expert Christian ForkIn his writings Caught offside rowThe Bayern giants insist he needs money to invest further in the team and is open to selling the Netherlands international.
But they have put forward a price tag of €70 million, which United will not pay. The English giants are willing to pay around half that, and it will be interesting to see if Vincent Kompany’s side accept that.
“FC Bayern need to sell players if they want to continue buying. Erik ten Hag, who is currently negotiating a contract extension with Manchester United, wants to sign Matthias de Ligt.
Dericht price
“So ten Hag must be prepared to pay a high fee for de Ligt. Bayern want up to €70m, but Manchester United would only be willing to pay half that. New boss Vincent Kompany wants to rely on other players in defence.”
Bayern have paid an initial fee of €70m plus add-ons for the 24-year-old, who won the Bundesliga in two campaigns with Munich but struggled to find regular playing time last season.
Bayern are looking to sign a new defender and De Ligt, who previously turned down offers from United, is now more open to a move to reunite with his former manager.
The duo of Del Ligt and Martinez have been sensational for Ajax in the past and Ten Hag will be hoping INEOS will back him up for this fixture.
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