Man United 'make contact' with Jarrad Branthwaite alternative as Jadon Sancho plan hatched

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt's representatives ahead of a potential summer transfer move.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano understands the Dutchman, who played for Erik ten Hag at Ajax, is one of a few targets United have on their radar to strengthen their centre-back position this summer. MEN Sport understands the Reds are open to selling Victor Lindelof this summer while Raphael Varane has already departed at the expiry of his contract.

It is reported that Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite remains on United's radar but with a £70m price tag, the Reds are exploring their options. De Ligt is believed to be open to moving to Old Trafford after his career stalled in Munich. The fact United will not be in the Champions League next season is not believed to concern the Dutch defender.

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Elsewhere, Tuttosport has revealed Juventus' masterplan as they attempt to sign Jadon Sancho this summer.

As has become a theme in recent weeks, Juve are not in a position to bring Sancho in on a permanent basis. Instead they intend to sign the winger on loan but have a risky approach to doing so.

It is widely agreed that United want £40m for Sancho to recoup some of the money they spent on him. The Turin club reportedly want to sit back and wait for the Reds to potentially get desperate when nobody meets that valuation.

Juventus seem confident that United will not want Sancho around the camp next season particularly after Ten Hag kept his job. They are therefore hoping they can grab a bargain loan move later on in the window when options begin to dry up.