Manchester United have reportedly seen a joint bid for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui rejected by Bayern Munich.
The Red Devils are in the heart of a rebuild this summer, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe pushing for major changes ahead of the 2024/25, both in regards to incomings and outgoings.
Erik ten Hag has already welcomed two marquee signings to his squad this summer, with Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee opting to join the club amid interest from elsewhere in the hope of injecting some young quality into the squad.
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Further signings are expected in defence, with another centre-back and right-back being eyed.
According to The Athletic, the higher powers at Old Trafford attempted to kill two birds with one stone by tabling an offer for both De Ligt and Mazraoui.
United were optimistic that the bid would have been accepted, with both players’ representatives expecting that the fee would satisfy the demands of Bayern. However, they were left ‘bemused’ by the offer being rejected.
The Red Devils have been told that a higher fee would be required to get a double deal over the line, leaving those who thought they had an understanding of what would be needed for Bayern to accept the offer surprised.
Both De Ligt and Mazraoui have agreed on personal terms to join United and even have contracts in place, with both players set to sign five-year deals, with the option of a further 12 months, at the Theatre of Dreams if an agreement is reached.
Bayern are said to have informed the defensive duo that they do not feature in the club’s long-term plans under new manager Vincent Kompany. They were told to look for new opportunities and the Allianz Arena outfit vowed to compromise where possible in negotiations for both players.
It remains to be seen whether United decide to return with another offer in the hope of bringing both players to Old Trafford in the same deal, or if Ratcliffe reviews the situation and decides that striking separate agreements could simplify the situation.
United are also scouring the market for midfield reinforcements and reports have speculated that they could strike a loan deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte as long as a substantial buyout clause is included.
