Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich in the coming weeks and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that the Dutchman is solely focused on completing a deal to Old Trafford.

Raphael Varane’s exit has put Erik ten Hag in a difficult situation with Lisandro Martinez, who has become increasingly injury-prone, needing a new centre-back partner as the Red Devils enter a new era under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority ownership.

Alongside a new centre forward and engine room reinforcements, centre-back has been identified as a position in need of strengthening, per The Athletic, and with a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite too expensive, De Ligt is Manchester United’s primary choice.

Man Utd ‘Only Club’ Allowed to Negotiate for De Ligt
De Ligt gives priority to Man Utd move.

Speaking about the De Ligt move and its recent progression, Romano stated that the former Ajax skipper has told his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, that Manchester United are the only club that are allowed to negotiate with him, his agent or his camp.

“Matthijs de Ligt has told his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, already one week ago that the only club allowed to be in negotiations with him, with his camp, with his agent, is Manchester United. Matthijs de Ligt wants to give priority to Manchester United and he wants to go to Manchester United as at Bayer, he is not a regular starter. With the Dutch national team, he is not a regular starter and de Ligt wants to play on a regular basis.

Having played 70 times under Ten Hag’s stewardship in the Netherlands, the rapport between the compatriots is still positive given the 54-year-old tactician has been in regular contact with his primary target, who has been described as ‘world-class’ by Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund.

Romano, in his update, also revealed that, alongside direct talks with those representing the Bayern Munich outcast, Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna has also been contacted by the club, who are looking for reinforcements in the centre forward department this summer.

“De Ligt wants to find a top club where he can be trusted 100%. De Ligt knows that, at Manchester United, there is Erik ten Hag, who has been in communication with De Ligt. Also, let me tell you this, because Ten Hag has been in direct communication with Joshua Zirkzee and in direct communication also with the Matthijs de Ligt.”

After scoring the least amount of goals among the top-eight teams in the Premier League, it is natural that Manchester United will want to bring in help for Rasmus Hojlund upfront.

The Dane was clearly overplayed with Erik ten Hag having no other choice but to keep playing him as the incompetent Glazers refused to back the manager, both last summer and in January.

United have been linked with a plethora of names but recent reports have indicated that Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna is the club’s preferred target.

The chase for the Dutchman has been far from easy with the former Bayern Munich starlet eager to play as the main man upfront, something his current club were open to offering while AC Milan were also looking at making him their focal point upfront.

Zirkzee chase

United were deeply impressed with Hojlund’s impressive debut campaign and plan to keep him as their No 9 moving forward which meant Zirkzee could have to play second fiddle at times.

A release clause of €40 million meant plenty of suitors were interested but the Rossoneri and Juventus were not comfortable with paying the player’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, his commission fees.

United have no qualms over the agent fees and have agreed to pay the requisite amount and all that was needed was for the club to win the player’s confidence.

Ten Hag proceeded to personally speak to his compatriot and that seems to have done the trick if Corriere di Bologna are to be believed.

They have reported that the striker is now convinced with Ten Hag’s ongoing project at Old Trafford and is ready to join the 20-time English league champions.

Zirkzee has agreed to join United

“The latest developments in the story indicates that a farewell is now certain, with the striker ready to join Manchester United, who have apparently reached an agreement with the boy’s agent regarding the commissions and convinced the 23-year-old about his role in the technical project.

“It was Erik Ten Hag, coach of the Red Devils, who contacted Zirkzee directly to overcome his resistance to the transfer to a team that already has a very respectable attack.”

Apart from his ball-striking and dribbling ability, Zirkzee is proficient in dropping deep to link up play and can also act as a playmaker at times.

This will certainly add a different dimension to the United attack and his profile means he can play in tandem with the Denmark international due to their different styles of play.

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.