The spotlight is on Matthijs de Ligt as far as Manchester United are concerned.

After attempting to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who appears to have been priced out of a move, United have switched their attention to Netherlands star De Ligt.

Most of you will remember his performances for Ajax when they last reached the Champions League semi-finals, under Erik ten Hag in 2019, but he has been unable to reach those heights at Juventus or Bayern Munich.

Ten Hag may be able to get the best out of De Ligt, which is why United are trying to sign the 24-year-old centre-back this summer.

According to BBC Sport, United believe they are making progress in their attempts to sign De Ligt.

United held talks with De Ligt’s advisors about a potential move to Old Trafford, while Bayern are trying to trim their wage bill.

De Ligt is currently in Germany with his country at the European Championship. That said, he is not starting in games under Ronald Koeman.

The Dutch defender has been unable to cement his place in the Bayern Munich team and the German club has been linked with moves for new centre-backs this summer.

No wonder they are willing to listen to offers for De Ligt, who is reportedly willing to take a pay cut at United.

United need to find a partner for Lisandro Martinez in the heart of defence following Raphael Varane’s departure. We need someone of high quality who is reliable and not injury prone.

De Ligt gives green light to Manchester United

In another update this afternoon, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claims De Ligt has given a green light to United after direct contacts with his camp.

Romano doesn’t believe personal terms will be an issue as his agent, Rafaela Pimenta is only negotiating with United, which is a priority of the player.

Manchester United are now set to appoint Christopher Vivell as their new director of recruitment, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Vivell most recently worked at Chelsea, leaving Stamford Bridge around a year ago. The 37-year-old wasn’t there long, and he’s now available once again with United looking to bring him to Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has stamped his authority at the club since arriving, bringing in a host of different people behind the scenes.

Dan Ashworth was recently confirmed as a new appointment, but it appears that United aren’t stopping there in terms of backroom additions.

Vivell to Man Utd Now a Done Deal

He will join as director of recruitment.

Sky Sports reporter Plettenberg has confirmed that Vivell is set to complete a move to United with immediate effect as director of recruitment. The 37-year-old will move to Old Trafford on a short-term deal and will help in terms of transfers for the Manchester club…

Vivell spent just seven months at Chelsea between December 2022 and July 2023, but he was let go as Todd Boehly made further changes behind the scenes.

The German has also spent time with RB Leipzig, meaning he has experienced working in a multi-club model, something United are now involved in with INEOS owning other sides.

Vivell has plenty of experience working in recruitment for some big clubs around Europe, and Ratcliffe is clearly doing everything he can to ensure United’s transfer strategy improves. It’s been a major problem for the Red Devils in recent years and Ratcliffe will be hoping to steer them in the right direction.