Manchester United 'discover' new Matthijs de Ligt transfer rival as Ajax return lined up

Real Madrid are reportedly considering a revised pursuit for Manchester United target Matthijs de Ligt as Bayern Munich continue to play hardball over his proposed transfer. Personal terms for the Netherlands international, 24, have been verbally agreed by Ineos and key figures at Old Trafford.

However, the German heavyweights have, so far, been unwilling to budge on their £42million asking price. A deal seems unlikely, at this stage, but Real's presence could speed up the race.

Although United and Bayern are thought to be way apart when it comes to a valuation, the Bundesliga outfit are open to selling the ex-Ajax captain this summer. United consider the Dutchman and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite as two preferred targets to join French youngster Leny Yoro in a new-look defence for the coming season.

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Reports emerging from Spain - as per the Football 365 website - highlight interest from Spanish champions Real. Still coming in under the Bayern valuation, Real president Florentino Perez is said to be 'willing to offer £34million' to secure De Ligt's signature - seemingly more than United hope to pay for him.

Elsewhere, reports from Team Talk indicate Ajax want to re-sign Christian Eriksen on loan this summer. United are open to letting the Denmark playmaker leave - preferably on a permanent transfer - but the Amsterdam outfit are thought to be keen on striking up a temporary agreement.

United signed Eriksen on a free transfer from Brentford in 2022 as a stop-gap solution for their midfield. However, the 32-year-old - capped 134 times by his country - started just 12 games in the Premier League last season and