With an Ajax comeback planned, Manchester United ‘discovers’ a new competitor in Matthijs de Ligt’s transfer.

Manchester United want to sign Matthijs de Ligt this summer. (Image: FC Bayern via Getty Images)

Real Madrid are reportedly considering a revised pursuit for Manchester United target Matthijs de Ligt as Bayern Munich continue to play hardball over his proposed transfer. Personal terms for the Netherlands international, 24, have been verbally agreed by Ineos and key figures at Old Trafford.

However, the German heavyweights have, so far, been unwilling to budge on their £42million asking price. A deal seems unlikely, at this stage, but Real’s presence could speed up the race.

Real Madrid are reportedly considering a revised pursuit for Manchester United target Matthijs de Ligt as Bayern Munich continue to play hardball over his proposed transfer. Personal terms for the Netherlands international, 24, have been verbally agreed by Ineos and key figures at Old Trafford.

However, the German heavyweights have, so far, been unwilling to budge on their £42million asking price. A deal seems unlikely, at this stage, but Real’s presence could speed up the race.

Reports emerging from Spain – as per the Football 365 website – highlight interest from Spanish champions Real. Still coming in under the Bayern valuation, Real president Florentino Perez is said to be ‘willing to offer £34million’ to secure De Ligt’s signature – seemingly more than United hope to pay for him.

Elsewhere, reports from Team Talk indicate Ajax want to re-sign Christian Eriksen on loan this summer. United are open to letting the Denmark playmaker leave – preferably on a permanent transfer – but the Amsterdam outfit are thought to be keen on striking up a temporary agreement.

United signed Eriksen on a free transfer from Brentford in 2022 as a stop-gap solution for their midfield. However, the 32-year-old – capped 134 times by his country – started just 12 games in the Premier League last season and his future has been subject to speculation over the last few months.

Victor Lindelof, Casemiro and Eriksen are among those up for sale at United as Ineos continue to put their stamp on things at Old Trafford. With further additions in the pipeline, Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee have already been signed to strengthen in defence and attacking quarters.