Manchester United have made it clear that they are going to battle out with a host of clubs including Barcelona for the signature of Matthijs de Ligt during the summer transfer window.
But, according to the Times, it is believed that the Red Devils Vice Chairman Ed Woodward is exploring about the possibility of luring him to Old Trafford during the January transfer window.
The English outfit are ready to pay more than 50 million pounds to secure his services from Ajax. In the recently concluded Golden Boy award, De Ligt lifted the individual accolade with some outstanding performances for his club and country over the last year.
There were several reports quoting that Barcelona are the favourites to sign the Netherlands centre-back, but Manchester United have entered the race and looks to wrap up the deal as soon as possible.
It is rather unlikely to see him move in the January transfer window, as Ajax would be looking for an auction in the forthcoming summer with so many clubs ready to battle out for his signature.
The other clubs who have shown interest on the Netherlands International are Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich. But, the Catalans are believed to be the front-runners to secure his signature.
With natural maturity and showing tremendous leadership on the pitch, the 19-year-old is the next prized asset in world football right now.
During the last summer transfer window, Jose Mourinho demanded a centre-half, but Ed Woodward denied his targets, and said that he would need someone of Raphael Varane’s calibre.
The Red Devils pursued a deal for Toby Alderweireld, Harry Maguire, Jerome Boateng, and Diego Godin, but none of the moves materialised.
Besides, Manchester United are also monitoring Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, and Real Madrid’s superstar Raphael Varane. But, the baulking asking price around 100 million might put off Manchester United.
Current Interim manager Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer says he is focused on improving the current crop of players, and the club will focus on recruiting the new players.
“I will have an input but the job is to get to know the players, observe them,” he said.
“I’ve seen more or less every game from Norway but [my job is] to get to know the players, what do I think I can improve them on and the club have got the recruitment and scouting.
“They’ve got their targets but I’ve not sat down and talked about that.”
There were rumours rumbling that the Red Devils are also after Douglas Costa as they try and reinforce their side to finish in a Champions League place.
Should these two deals go through in the middle of the season, they have a huge chance to shrug off Chelsea and Arsenal and finish in the top four.
Ed Woodward will be trying to bring in a manager who is capable of slowly lift the club rather than the instant success which they had under Jose Mourinho.
Mauricio Pochettino, Zinedine Zidane, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are the leading candidates for the job. It will be interesting to see who they would appoint aftermath this season.
Manchester United will now go away to Newcastle United on Wednesday night as they seek fourth consecutive victory in the Premier League under their new manager.
