Matthijs de Ligt transfer chance for Erik ten Hag to kickstart Man Utd rebuild

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could be handed an easy transfer option this summer following reports that Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt could leave this summer.

According to Florian Plettenberg, the Dutch defender is among the list of players that could leave the Bundesliga giants this summer. It has been claimed that the Bavarians are looking to bolster Vincent Kompany's budget and require revenue, plus with De Ligt's supposed high salary, he is a candidate to leave the club.

The former Ajax centre-back has three years remaining on his current deal at the Allianz Arena and last season, it was reported that the 24-year-old was disappointed with his lack of playing time under Thomas Tuchel. However, his minutes could be further limited with Bayern seemingly set to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.

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Plettenberg tweeted: "Jonathan #Tah is supposed to replace him. Verbal agreement about a contract until 2029 is done as excl. reported. Negotiations with Leverkusen will start soon. Levi #Colwill, also on the list."

United have been linked with a move for De Ligt for a number of years, spelling back to before his move to the Bundesliga after signing from Juventus. This summer, Ten Hag's side are looking to provide reinforcements to their defensive ranks.

Last season, their options were decimated by injury following spells on the sidelines for Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire. Edmond Tapsoba and Jarrad Branthwaite have been earmarked as defensive options, the MEN understands, but Ten Hag could have an advantage in signing a defender.

Old Trafford executives are anticipating a deal can be struck with Everton before June 30 with the Toffees said to be facing a Profit and Sustainability deadline in order to avoid further Premier League sanctions. The England defender, it has been claimed, is said to be valued in the region of £75million.

Ten Hag knows De Ligt well from their time together in Amsterdam, the Dutch tactician handed the centre-back his Champions League debut aged 19. He was forced to make do without the stopper after he secured the shock move to Juventus following their exploits in the European competition as they were dramatically eliminated in the semi-final by Tottenham Hotspur.

The United boss has faced criticism over his playing style at Old Trafford and faces an uncertain period with the club despite leading them to an FA Cup triumph - his second piece of silverware. The acquisition of De Ligt would go a long way to appeasing the scrutiny as he can look to unlock the defender's qualities and provide a defensive stability that was lacking during their worst Premier League campaign in over 30 years.

With reports that Bayern are looking to sell the defender, he could be available at a reduced fee with Transfermarkt currently valuing him in the region of €65million (£54m).