Man United 'offered' Matthijs de Ligt transfer alternative who wouldn't cost Ineos a penny

Manchester United have been 'offered' free agent Mario Hermoso in their ongoing search for another centre-back. That's according to reports from Matteo Moretto - via social media - and several other sources from across Europe as former Atletico Madrid defender Hermoso continues to look for his next club.

Despite rubber-stamping a swoop for highly-rated French youngster Leny Yoro this summer, United are still in the market for further defensive additions. Ineos are 'open' to signing up to three centre-backs.

However, proposed follow-up moves are dependant on outgoings. Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite are still on the radar for United - with De Ligt having verbally agreed personal terms, and Everton also rejecting two offers for England U21s regular Branthwaite.

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United and Bayern remain apart on a valuation for De Ligt, meanwhile, with United actively looking to sell Victor Lindelof, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka still in discussions over a potential transfer to West Ham this summer. Both men would help generate much-needed funds for an ongoing recruitment drive.

However, as per reports, there could be a bargain option out there. Hermoso, 29, has been mooted as a target for United previously and would not currently command any transfer fee.

The five-cap Spain international, who progressed through the ranks at Real Madrid and also played for Espanyol - prior to five successful years at the Metropolitano Stadium - became a free agent this summer. He totted-up 174 appearances for Atletico in all competitions - scoring ten goals to go with his defensive