Manchester United have identified the key target in their search for a new centre-back

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Manchester United are interested in Matthijs de Ligt as their summer search for central-defensive reinforcements continues.

The Bayern Munich defender played for Erik ten Hag at Ajax and was a stalwart of the side that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

United have admired De Ligt for years and he has emerged as an option this summer, although they are yet to submit a bid.

United need at least one and possibly two centre-backs in the transfer window. They have released Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans is out of contract, although they are in talks with the 36-year-old over extending his stay, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof both have a year left on their current deals .

United have rejected a £35m bid for Jarrad Branthwaite and are reluctant to come back with an improved bid unless Everton drop their valuation of the England international, who they believe is worth at least £70m.

De Ligt joined Juventus for €75m in 2019 and then Bayern for €67m two years ago. He spent part of last season on the bench, but that was under former manager Thomas Tuchel, who was replaced by Vincent Kompany.

United are also looking for a central midfielder and a striker to improve after finishing a disappointing eighth in the Premier League in the 2023-24 season.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte is a midfielder they like after joining French champions Sporting Lisbon last summer.

In attack, they consider Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Lille’s Jonathan David.