Matthijs de Ligt responds to Manchester United transfer speculation

The Dutchman joined the Serie A giants for a fee of around £80m in 2019, following Ajax’s incredible run to the Champions League semi-finals.

It was under Erik ten Hag’s tutelage that De Ligt became the most sought-after player in Europe, though his stock has dipped in his three years in Turin.

Nevertheless, Ten Hag would love to be reunited with the defender at the Theatre of Dreams and it was put to De Ligt on international duty that he is a target for United.

Though he did not rule out staying in Turin, De Ligt did give United hope by saying his decision will be influenced by the ‘sporting project’.

‘Right now I am focused on how I perform on the pitch, once the right moment arrives I will decide to extend or to look further

‘I look at the sporting project. Ending fourth in a row for two years in a row is not good enough, Juventus knows this too.

‘So being Juventus, we have to make steps. I’m a Juventus player so I’m focused on that.’

Though a central midfielder and a new striker are Erik Ten Hag’s priorities, a centre-back is another problem position that the Dutchman wants to address.

He’s keen on signing Ajax ace Jurrien Timber but the 20-year-old is caught in two minds over a move to Old Trafford, particularly as it comes just before the World Cup in Qatar.

Frenkie de Jong, De Ligt’s former Ajax team-mate, is a key target while Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez is another.

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