According to Metro, Manchester United have reportedly informed Bayern Munich that they are unwilling to meet their valuation for Matthijs de Ligt, as they continue their search for a new central defender following Raphael Varane's departure.
United's pursuit of defensive reinforcements saw them recently fail with a £45 million bid for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, with Everton holding out for over £70 million for the promising defender, who remains United's primary target.
While exploring alternative options, Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as a contender on United's shortlist. According to Bild's Christian Falk, Bayern Munich is seeking €70 million (£59.3 million) for De Ligt this summer. However, United has signaled they are only willing to offer around €35 million (£29.6 million) for the 24-year-old Dutch defender.
Sky Germany had earlier reported that Bayern could consider a reduced fee closer to €50 million (£42 million), mindful of United's financial constraints in this transfer window.
Erik ten Hag, who previously worked with De Ligt during their time together at Ajax, continues to hold the defender in high regard. De Ligt joined Bayern from Juventus for €77 million (£65.6 million) in July 2022 but has faced challenges with injuries, limiting his Bundesliga appearances last season to just 16 starts.
Speaking about his future amidst the ongoing Euro 2024 campaign with the Netherlands, De Ligt remained focused on international duties: "I’ve already said this is not the time for me to think about it. We’re playing at the Euros now and that’s very important for me and the national team. That’s why I can’t say now what I think about this situation."
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are actively seeking defensive reinforcements and are reportedly in discussions to acquire Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming season.