Man United can hand Matthijs de Ligt dream welcome gift when decision confirmed in 48 hours

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up a move for Matthijs de Ligt, and they could hand him the perfect welcome present if they lure the defender to Old Trafford this summer.

De Ligt is said to be high on United's transfer wishlist, and the club could quickly make him feel at home if they go through with an unexpected transfer decision in the next 48 hours. The 24-year-old is being touted as a potential replacement for Raphael Varane, whose contract is set to expire this weekend.

Brandon Williams and Anthony Martial will also leave United under the same circumstances, while Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans could potentially join them. Sofyan Amrabat's season-long loan from Fiorentina is due to end on Sunday night, and despite a late-season resurgence, he is expected to return to Italy after a £8.5million temporary stint.

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United have the option to sign the 27-year-old on a permanent basis for around £21m, but it seems they're looking elsewhere to strengthen Erik ten Hag's midfield this summer. Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte has emerged as a top midfield target as he prepares to leave just one year after signing from Sporting Clube de Portugal in a £51m deal.

While Ugarte could represent a replacement for Casemiro rather than Amrabat, the latter's future is in serious doubt, considering the club haven't yet triggered their buy option. As early as Monday night, the Red Devils could announce Amrabat's departure, at which point his contract with the club will have expired.

Should the Moroccan player depart, he would leave