Manchester United have opened talks with Mathijs de Ligt's entourage about a potential move from Bayern Munich this summer.

That's according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, who reports that Manchester United may be stepping up their efforts to reunite the defender with Erik ten Hag.

Reports throughout this week have indicated that Manchester United have turned their attention to De Ligt after being frustrated in their pursuit of the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite.

His future has been brought into question this summer as Bayern have an abundance of options at centre-back and are closing in on a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah to add to that mix.

Ten Hag knows the player well after working with him at Ajax, where he broke through as one of the rising stars of European football under the Dutchman. Manchester United's interest would make sense, then, and Plettenberg now reports that they've been in contact with De Ligt's agents to discuss a move.

According to his information, Manchester United have gathered information about the defender over the last few days as it's been made clear that he can leave Bayern Munich if a suitable offer is made for him.

De Ligt, in turn, is ready to leave the German giants and is open to joining Manchester United as he doesn't want to be the fourth or fifth choice defender at the Allianz Arena.

That could, therefore, provide Manchester United with encouragement, although they are yet to get in touch with Bayern about a move.