Bayern Munich have reportedly agreed to sign a new defender from a Bundesliga rival, paving the way for Matthijs de Ligt to join Manchester United. The Red Devils are said to be priorisiting the addition of a new centre-back to replace Raphael Varane, with De Ligt having emerged as a top target.
The Dutchman, who played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, is said to be eager to join United of their failure to qualify for next season's Champions League. It was reported last week that United had submitted a joint offer for De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, which was swiftly rejected by Bayern.
However, it seems the pendulum could be about to swing in United's favour with Bayern close to signing De Ligt's effective replacement. According to Kicker, the German giants have reached a 'clear agreement' with Bayer Leverkusen for the services of Jonathan Tah.
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It is said that financial terms have been agreed at club level, with Bayern set to pay around £25million up front and another £4.2m in potential add-ons. However, the report adds that Bayern will only finalise the move if De Ligt is sold to United, who are yet to strike a deal.
The 24-year-old is valued at around £43m by his current employers but United are currently unwilling to meet those demands. The two clubs are said to be 'quite a way apart' but only time will tell if a compromise can be reached, with negotiations still believed to be ongoing.
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Bayern sporting director Max Eberl remained coy when quizzed on the speculation around De Ligt's future earlier this month, with the 50-year-old refusing to confirm or deny whether he would still be their player at the end of the transfer window.
"I will comment on the reasons when the time comes," he said. "It is not yet that time. Matthijs played very well here for two years and that is why many fans like him. Nevertheless, you have to think about how you decide and also how the boy feels. He is still a player for FC Bayern, and as long as he is, he will get all the support from us."
De Ligt thrived under Ten Hag's guidance at Ajax, coming through the club's academy and excelling at the heart of their defence before joining Juventus in 2019. He signed for Bayern Munich three years later and has made 73 appearances across his two seasons in Germany.
