Manchester United will reportedly have to come up with an offer of €50m (£42m) if they wish to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt during this summer's transfer window.
The Red Devils are determined to bring in a new central defender during the current market, with Raphael Varane leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the month.
Jarrad Branthwaite is said to be Man United's leading target, with the Englishman already thought to have come to an agreement with the 20-time English champions over personal terms.
However, Everton allegedly want in excess of £80m for his services, while Man United's opening offer for the 21-year-old is thought to have been £35m plus add-ons.
De Ligt has also been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, and according to Sky Deutschland, the Netherlands international is available for €50m (£42m) during the current market.
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De Ligt 'would cost €50m (£42m) this summer'
The report claims that Man United have already had internal discussions over a move for De Ligt this summer, with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag keen on a reunion with the player that he managed at Ajax.
De Ligt, who is currently with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024, struggled with injury during the 2023-24 campaign and was restricted to just 30 appearances for Bayern.
The defender has another three years left on his contract at Allianz Arena, but he is allegedly able to leave this summer for a suitable price.
Man United had been keen on securing his services from Ajax in 2019, but the centre-back moved to Juventus, spending three seasons with the Italian giants, before agreeing a switch to Bayern in the summer of 2022.
The Red Devils are seemingly now preparing to reignite their interest, with De Ligt expected to be a cheaper option than Branthwaite, as Everton hold firm on their £80m valuation.
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De Ligt is currently focusing on Euro 2024
Last week, De Ligt said that he was only currently focusing on helping his country at Euro 2024, but the centre-back insisted that he is "very happy" at Allianz Arena.
"I've already said this is not the time for me to think about it," he told reporters.
"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."
De Ligt has made 73 appearances for Bayern, scoring five times and registering two assists, winning one Bundesliga title and one German Super Cup in the process.
Matt Law
