Manchester United ‘discover’ Matthijs de Ligt’s new transfer rival as Ajax return lined up

Real Madrid are reportedly considering a revised pursuit of Manchester United target Matthijs de Ligt, while Bayern Munich continue to play hardball for their proposed transfer. Personal terms for the 24-year-old Netherlands international 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 £42m asking price. A deal seems unlikely at this stage, but Real’s presence could speed up the race.

Although United and Bayern are believed to be far apart when it comes to a valuation, the Bundesliga side are open to selling the former Ajax captain this summer. United are eyeing the Dutchman and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as two of their favorite targets to join French youngster Leny Yoro in a new-look defense for next season.

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Reports from Spain – according to Football 365 – highlight the interest of Spanish champions Real. Still under assessment by Bayern, Real chairman Florentino Perez is said to be “willing to offer £34m” to secure De Ligt’s signature – apparently more than United were hoping to pay for him.

Elsewhere, reports from Team Talk indicate that Ajax want to re-sign Christian Eriksen on loan this summer. United are open to letting the Denmark international leave – preferably on a permanent transfer – but the Amsterdam side are believed to be keen on a temporary deal.

United signed Eriksen on a free transfer from Brentford in 2022 as a temporary midfield solution. However, the 32-year-old – capped 134 times by his country – started just 12 Premier League games last season and his future has been subject to speculation in recent months.

Victor Lindelof, Casemiro and Eriksen are among those up for sale at United as Ineos continue to put their stamp on things at Old Trafford. With further additions underway, Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee have already been signed to bolster their defensive and attacking quarters.