Manchester United target tells European giants he wants to leave amid growing interest from Red Devils: Reports

Manchester United have reportedly been handed a major boost in potential pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch center-back has informed Bayern Munich he wants to leave the Allianz Arena this summer.

HITC reports that De Ligt has told Bayern he wants to depart, and the Bavarians are prepared to sell. He's been with the Bundesliga giants since July 2022 but fell down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel last season.

It's a significant development as Manchester United are reportedly 'seriously considering' swooping for the 45-cap Netherlands international. He's a player Erik ten Hag developed at Ajax, and the Dutch tactician would welcome a reunion.

De Ligt appeared 30 times across competitions last season, helping his side keep nine clean sheets. He enjoyed a meteoric rise under Ten Hag at the Johan Cruyff Arena and held a strong relationship with the United manager.

Chelsea are also monitoring De Ligt, who has three years left on his contract, per the aforementioned source. He is one of the highest earners at the Allianz Arena, so the Bavarians would consider a loan to subsidize wages with a view to a permanent departure.

New Bayern boss Vincent Kompany signed a new center-back this summer, with Japanese defender Hiroki Ito arriving from VfB Stuttgart. They are also talking with Bayer Leverkusen about a potential deal for Germany international Jonathan Tah.

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Manchester United could sign two center-backs this summer, De Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite look most likely

Matthijs de Ligt might not be the only defensive arrival.

Manchester United are long-term admirers of De Ligt, previously trying to sign him before he left Ajax in July 2019. He opted to join Serie A giants Juventus before heading to Bayern three years later.

The Red Devils aren't only interested in the Dutchman this summer to help strengthen their defense. They have also been chasing Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, who is thought to be open to moving to Old Trafford.

The second report above claims that a deal for Branthwaite would be separate from their operation for signing De Ligt. This suggests United are looking to sign two new defenders for Ten Hag.

Branthwaite, 22, is one of English football's most exciting talents and was a rock in defense for Everton last season. He made 41 appearances across competitions, helping Sean Dyche's side keep 15 clean sheets and stave off relegation.

Manchester United have already failed with a £35 million plus £8 million in add-ons offer for Branthwaite. They are reluctant to meet the Toffees' £70 million valuation of the former PSV Eindhoven loanee.