Man Utd identify Matthijs de Ligt alternative as Erik ten Hag turns to Plan B

Manchester United have identified an alternative target to Matthijs de Ligt as Erik ten Hag prepares to miss out on the Juventus star.

Ten Hag is keen to boost his options in defence, with United having conceded the most goals in the top eight of the Premier League. The Dutchman is particularly desperate to bring in a new centre-back, having seen Harry Maguire struggle this term, with Eric Bailly and Phil Jones also set to leave Old Trafford.

His top target was understood to be De Ligt, who enjoyed a successful working relationship under his management at Ajax. The Netherlands international has endured a mixed spell at Juventus since completing a £64million move to Turin in 2019.

With two years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Stadium, United emerged as interested suitors. But they have now been hit by a serious blow to their ambitions of signing the 22-year-old.

According to Tuttomercato, Juventus have 'no intention' of letting De Ligt leave this summer. His successful campaign under Massimiliano Allegri this season has 'dispelled' any questions over his future.

So much so, that it is stated the Serie A giants are ready to offer him a new contract. De Ligt is now said to be 'evaluating' the offer, with Juventus keen to tie down his future for the long-term.

Having been hit by that serious blow to his transfer plans, Ten Hag is now turning his attention to alternative options. According to transfer insider Fabrice Hawkins, one of the players they are 'tracking' is Eintracht Frankfurt star Evan Ndicka.

Ndicka is described as being 'very courted' having helped Frankfurt to win the Europa League this season. He has made 44 appearances in all competitions and started as the Eagles defeated Rangers in the Europa