1 Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has issued an encouraging update on Manchester United's pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt.
United have turned their attentions to the Bayern Munich defender after being thwarted in their efforts to sign Jarrad Branthwaite, whose PS70 million tag Everton refuse to negotiate, and OGC Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo, who cannot be transferred due to a UEFA transfer ban on clubs under the same ownership taking part in the same competition.
Although the Red Devils are still keen on Branthwaite, Bayern's pursuit of Jonathan Tah will leave them heavily overstocked in centre backs and they are therefore reported to be happy to let De Ligt leave for the right price.
Despite various updates of interest from other clubs and a 14,000 strong petition from Bayern fans demanding the player is not sold, Plettenberg is adamant this morning that the 24 year old is most likely United bound.
"Understand top agent Rafaela Pimenta remain in talks with ManUtd to find the best solution for Matthijs de Ligt!" the reporter posted on X.
"There are no negotiations with other clubs at this stage as De Ligt prefers to work with Erik ten Hag!
"Been told that Bayern have not yet received an official offer from #MUFC
"Total agreement between ManUtd and De Ligt won't be an issue. Bayern still demand EUR50m in transfer fees plus bonus payments!"
Understand top agent Rafaela Pimenta remain in talks with ManUtd to find the best solution for Matthijs de Ligt!
There are no negotiations with other clubs at this stage as De Ligt prefers to work with Erik ten Hag!
Been told that Bayern have not yet received an... pic.twitter.com/nCXn9ppWYJ
- Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 6, 2024
What the update tells us, other than the fact that Plettenberg likes to use exclamation marks, is that United are working hard on this deal before submitting a formal offer. The lack of an "official" offer does not mean that negotiations are not in progress, with Pimenta active in the situation.
It has been mooted previously that United might be willing to offer in the region of EUR35-EUR40 million plus bonuses to get close to the Bundesliga giants' asking price.
The deal is likely to progress quickly once De Ligt returns from Germany, where he is in the Netherlands Euro 24 squad.
With the Dutch expected to advance to the semi-finals of the competition tonight as they face the unfancied Turkey, it could yet be a few days before the player becomes free to focus on this important next move in his still-young career, even though he is yet to kick a ball for his country so far in the competition.