Man Utd have made initial contact with highly-regarded Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt ahead of a potential move, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Addressing his followers on X, Romano stated he's 'one of the options being considered as new CB - including Branthwaite.'

It was earlier revealed that de Ligt would be open to joining Man Utd, even despite the fact that they will not be playing Champions League football next season.

Bayern could sell de Ligt this summer, as it has previously been reported Vincent Kompany prefers other CB options in Bavaria.

Formerly, de Ligt made comments on the Red Devils, posing potential signs of encouragement regarding securing his services.

In an interview with Dutch outlet vi.nl, he stated: "Everything is going fast. During the season, in the club and during the various competitions, you don't really have time to think about it.

"However, sometimes I realise it, as recently when I had dinner with my childhood friends who I used to play with. We came to the conclusion that I always wanted to be Cristiano Ronaldo when we played soccer in the garden.

"Especially during the period when he played at Manchester United. That dinner took place immediately after the two challenges against Juventus, in which I had to face Ronaldo."

When questioned on his uncertain future at Bayern Munich, de Ligt remained coy:

During a press conference, he stated: "I've already said this is not the time for me to think about it.

"We're playing at the Euros now and that's very important for me and the national team. That's why I can't say now what I think about this situation. But what I can say is that I've now played my second season at Bayern - I'm very happy. For now I'm focused on the Euros and then we'll see what happens."