Manchester United are looking to add to their defensive ranks this summer amid a squad shake-up under Jim Ratcliffe.

The final 16 stage of Euro 2024 is now underway and both Switzerland and Germany have booked their places in the quarter-finals. The hosts continue their mission to lift the trophy on home soil but the competition is heating up and the talent on display is attracting the attention of domestic clubs.

“At the moment, De Ligt doesn’t want any distraction during the Euros, but for sure Man United made contact with his agent to understand the situation. United are considering a move — nothing is decided yet but he’s one of the names on their list. There’s still no proposal from United or any other club.”

Manchester United are looking at making some significant changes this transfer window, involving both incomings and outgoings. There are a number of roles the Red Devils are looking to strengthen but centre-back remains a priority.

With Harry Maguire tipped to leave, Raphaël Varane due to depart as a free agent and Jonny Evans also headed for the exit unless a late new agreement is made, United are set to be short on numbers at the back.

Erik ten Hag and his side are scouring the market for new defensive signings and Euro 2024 is proving to be the ideal opportunity to keep an eye on potential targets. United have been keeping tabs on Matthijs de Ligt and according to Fabrizio Romano for his Daily Briefing column, it could be a situation to monitor this summer.

De Ligt reportedly does not want ‘any distractions’ right now as he looks to reach as far as possible in the Euros with the Netherlands. The Oranje side are preparing to face Romania in their round of 16 clash, after qualifying for the knockouts as one of the best third-placed finishers in the group stages.

Manchester United are believed to have opened talks with a £60m-rated Euro 2024 star ahead of a summer move to Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils simply must kick on after a disappointing 2023/24 season, even though it culminated in them winning the FA Cup after a superb victory over Manchester City in the final at Wembley. Erik ten Hag may need to improve in the Premier League after the backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, and fresh faces could be needed in order for his team to find another gear.

The United manager has reportedly personally held talks with Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, as they look to snap up the Dutchman ahead of next season. He could provide ideal competition for Rasmus Hojlund, who is still maturing as a player and can’t be relied on to start every week.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte is another player who has been linked with a move to the Red Devils in the current transfer window, being seen as an ideal foil for Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park. The Uruguayan is thought to be keen on making the move to Old Trafford.

Centre-back is another position that clearly has to be improved upon at United this summer, too, and Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo is seen as a strong option to bring in, and an even better addition than Zirkzee. If he doesn’t come in, at least one other central defender is required, following the exit of Raphael Varane, with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans arguably not representing elite options. Now, a new update has emerged regarding their pursuit of a player in that position.

Man United open talks with Euro 2024 star

Writing on X, the reliable Plettenberg claimed that Manchester United have now started talks with Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt over a summer switch, with the Bundesliga giants wanting £60m for his signature:

We’ve been told that Manchester United have opened talks about Matthijs de Ligt on player‘s side now! Understand that MUFC have gathered more information about the 24 y/o in recent days as he can leave Bayern with a suitable offer as revealed. De Ligt, ready to leave Bayern and open to join ManUtd as he will not become the central defender No. 4 or 5. Still no contact between the clubs yet.”

De Ligt has the talent to be a great signing for United, even though his stock may have fallen slightly since emerging as a prodigiously talented teenager at Ajax, who he helped reach the Champions League semi-finals back in 2018/19.

Still only 24 years of age, the Dutchman has now won 45 caps for the Netherlands, and he is part of his country’s squad at Euro 2024. Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has described him as a “monster”, and he could be the perfect centre-back partner for Lisandro Martinez moving forward.

There is a slight risk element in signing De Ligt, considering Bayern appear willing to sell him for a reason, but given his age, this feels more likely to be a success than signing an ageing player who is past his best – something United have done far too often in recent years.

As per the latest reports coming from Italy, Zirkzee is set to leave Bologna to join Man Utd, who have agreed a deal with his agent.

Two days ago, we covered an article via CorSport stating the Premier League side are willing to pay the clause and the agent fees to sign the center forward.

According to a story published by Corriere di Bologna today, the Dutch striker’s move away from the Serie A side is now ‘certain’.

The news source have mentioned that the 23-year-old forward is ‘ready to embrace’ a move to the Red Devils in the summer transfer window.

It is stated that Man Utd have agreed a deal with the agent regarding commissions and have also convinced Zirkzee to come to Old Trafford.

If the former Bayern Munich starlet joins the 20-time English champions, he will be in direct competition for the starting No.9 role against Rasmus Hojlund.

CorBologna claim, United boss, Erik ten Hag, directly contacted his compatriot ‘to overcome’ his resistance to the transfer.

Now, Zirkzee is ready to sign for Man Utd, who already have a ‘respectable attack’.

The youngster is yet to make an appearance for the Netherlands at the Euros and will likely start on the bench again when the Oranje collide against Romania on Tuesday.

Hojlund will soon return for pre-season as Denmark were eliminated from the competition by Germany last night.