'Contact made' between Man United and £59m-rated defender at Euro 2024, says Fabrizio Romano

The final 16 stage of Euro 2024 is now underway and both Switzerland and Germany have booked their places in the quarter-finals. The hosts continue their mission to lift the trophy on home soil but the competition is heating up and the talent on display is attracting the attention of domestic clubs.

Manchester United are looking at making some significant changes this transfer window, involving both incomings and outgoings. There are a number of roles the Red Devils are looking to strengthen but centre-back remains a priority. With Harry Maguire tipped to leave, Raphaël Varane due to depart as a free agent and Jonny Evans also headed for the exit unless a late new agreement is made, United are set to be short on numbers at the back.

Erik ten Hag and his side are scouring the market for new defensive signings and Euro 2024 is proving to be the ideal opportunity to keep an eye on potential targets. United have been keeping tabs on Matthijs de Ligt and according to Fabrizio Romano for his Daily Briefing column, it could be a situation to monitor this summer.

De Ligt reportedly does not want ‘any distractions’ right now as he looks to reach as far as possible in the Euros with the Netherlands. The Oranje side are preparing to face Romania in their round of 16 clash, after qualifying for the knockouts as one of the best third-placed finishers in the group stages.

De Ligt is currently under contract with Bayern Munich until 2027 but had a mixed season in terms of appearances. The 24-year-old missed a number of games due to injury but when fit, he started 16 Bundesliga games, was substituted on for six, and left on the bench on four occasions.

"Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United could be one to watch this summer as we know they’ve been exploring the market for centre-backs,” Romano said. “There’s now been contact between Man United and De Ligt’s representatives, but we may have to wait a bit longer for something more concrete to happen.

“At the moment, De Ligt doesn’t want any distraction during the Euros, but for sure Man United made contact with his agent to understand the situation. United are considering a move — nothing is decided yet but he’s one of the names on their list. There’s still no proposal from United or any other club."

De Ligt is just one defender United are considering this summer, having already registered their interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and Leny Yoro of Lille. The Reds aren’t alone in their pursuit though, and will likely face stiff competition for any player their set their sights on this summer.

Bild’s Christian Falk reported that Bayern are ‘holding out’ for a fee of £59 million for De Ligt, which is significantly less than the £70 million Everton are after for Branthwaite. However, United are reportedly not willing to meet the asking price for De Ligt and are only prepared to pay half of the quote, as they are working with a ‘restricted budget’, according to Sky Germany.