Matthijs De Ligt makes Man United 'only club confession' amid possible Erik ten Hag reunion

Manchester United are searching for a defender this summer, with several centre-backs being linked.

In recent days, Matthijs De Ligt has been framed as one option United could plunge for, with reports connecting United with a potential £40m swoop. De Ligt still has three years left on his Bayern contract but might have his head turned by an offer from United, speculation says.

Meanwhile, United are being tipped to bring back former full-back Sergio Reguilon amid their struggles with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Both have suffered persistent injury problems over the past year, with Malacia not playing all season due to surgery recovery setbacks.

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De Ligt has supposedly told agent Rafaela Pimenta that the only club he will consider leaving Bayern for this summer is United. Fabrizio Romano says the player has become slightly unsettled over the fact he is not an assured starter at his club.

The 24-year-old began 16 of his 22 Bundesliga matches last season but was benched multiple times and failed to get onto the pitch on several occasions. De Ligt came through the ranks at Ajax under Ten Hag before his 2019 switch to Juventus, prior to his 2022 move to Bayern.

MEN Sport says: De Ligt would be a great addition to United’s defence, offering Champions League experience and longevity. The quoted £40m fee would be an excellent deal, although it’s arguable that it is perhaps somewhat below what Bayern would hold out for.

If De Ligt’s exclusivity transfer stance regarding United is true, that is a huge bonus for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who will