Man United hold talks with Matthijs de Ligt’s entourage in a bid to sign the Bayern Munich defender this summer

• Man United are targeting a move for De Ligt and have held talks with his agent
• The Red Devils remain interested in Jarrad Branthwaite but need to sell first
• LISTEN: Join us as we debate the BIGGEST talking points on It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY. Available wherever you get your podcasts 

Manchester United have held talks with the representatives of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt. 

De Ligt arrived at Bayern in a £68m deal in 2022 but was limited to just 16 league starts last season as they failed to win the league for the first time in over a decade.

United were linked with the defender back in January after reports from Germany suggested the Dutchman wasn’t entirely happy with his situation at Bayern.

Mail Sport then reported at the start of this month that the former Ajax starlet was among United’s defensive interests, alongside Jarrad Branthwaite and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo. 

The club have ramped up their interest in the 24-year-old through discussions with his entourage. 

United also still want Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite but need to sell. 

Branthwaite’s failure to make Gareth Southgate ‘s final 26-man England squad for Euro 2024 has meant he is able to negotiate his future without fear of the European competition getting in the way. 

Everton dismissed United’s opening bid of £43million for Branthwaite earlier this month. 

Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte are also targets. 

Meanwhile, former United defender Raphael Varane is in talks to join Como.