Matthijs de Ligt £42m transfer decision emerges as Man United 'step up' interest in target

Manchester United are being linked with several potential new signings this summer.

United have confirmed the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director after an agreement was reached with Newcastle. Ashworth will now begin work at Old Trafford with the summer transfer window already in full swing.

The appointment is likely to lead to speculation surrounding potential new signings at Old Trafford in the coming weeks. MEN Sport has taken a look at some of the latest transfer speculation as Erik ten Hag continues to assess his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

According to The Times, United are looking to sign Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt. The report claims that Ten Hag is seeking a reunion with the centre-back, who he previously managed during his time at Ajax.

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It has been claimed that United are willing to spend £42 million to bring De Ligt to Old Trafford. Bayern signed De Ligt from Juventus in a £57 million deal two years ago and are already reportedly ready to part ways with the centre-back.

Elsewhere, United are reportedly making advances to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. According to Caught Offside, the Reds have "stepped up" their interest in signing the Netherlands international this summer. Zirkzee is reported to have a £34 million release clause in his contract.

United currently have Rasmus Hojlund as their main striker at the club following the departure of Anthony Martial. The report adds that the Reds are prepared to pay the release clause to sign Zirkzee, but may face competition from Arsenal and Serie A giants AC Milan for his signature.