United are still in the running, despite their miserable end to the season
Manchester United are still thought to be in with a chance of signing Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
The defender is expected to leave Amsterdam after his impressive showings in this season’s Champions League have seen him linked with several of the continent’s top clubs.
Though Barcelona – where Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong is moving to – appeared his most likely destination, a report from the Telegraph claims De Ligt is interested in a move to Old Trafford.
United missed out on qualification for next season’s Champions League and the report adds that the club themselves did not expect to be one of the favourites to sign De Ligt – especially given the interest shown in him from elsewhere already.
However, the report claims those close to the 19-year-old say a move to United and the opportunity to be the poster boy for their rebuild does appeal to him.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected overhaul United’s squad this summer with central defence one of the areas he is looking to strengthen.
De Ligt, despite his tender years, would represent an upgrade when compared to United’s current options in defence and would also bring with him some much needed leadership qualities.
Barcelona have already spent big in bringing De Jong to the club and are also heavily tipped to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid. Affording another huge outlay on De Ligt may prove to be beyond them, with those close to the deal suggesting Barca may miss out.
The LaLiga champions had hoped they would be able to sign him and loan him back to Amsterdam for the next season. However, his sharp rise in prominence over the course of the last six months appears to have complicated matters.
United are also one of several clubs willing to offer the Dutch youngster better financial terms than Barcelona. Manchester City and Liverpool are also thought to be monitoring the situation.
