Matthijs de Ligt fires Man United transfer hint with three-word Bayern Munich message

Matthijs de Ligt has started pre-season training with Bayern Munich as a deal to join Manchester United continues to stall.

Having been granted an extended summer leave following his run to the European Championship semi-finals, the Dutchman is now back in Bavaria. After being left out of Vincent Kompany's initial touring squad for the trip to Asia, De Ligt appears to have now returned to his club's German base with the Bundesliga campaign just around the corner.

He could be in action again in less than two weeks, with the first round of the DFB Pokal scheduled for August 16. Bayern first have to finish their tour with another match against Tottenham, whom they beat 2-1 on Saturday, before taking on WSG Tirol. They have so far won two and drawn one under Kompany.

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De Ligt is yet to play a part due to his run to the latter stages of Euro 2024 and had looked close to joining United, however, things have been delayed after no agreement over a price was reached. Personal terms with the 24-year-old were in the bag over four weeks ago.

United are now closing in on a deal to bring in De Ligt's teammate, and former Ajax colleague for Erik ten Hag, Noussair Mazraoui. They will have to wait to continue negotiations for De Ligt himself that's after he updated fans on his summer plans online.

Writing on Instagram, he confirmed he was in pre-season mode. "Back to work [bicep and prayer hands emojis] @fcbayern" he said.

De Ligt now appears to be focused on getting himself ready for whatever is to come in the next four weeks. Bayern start their Bundesliga season on August 25, while the