Man Utd about to sign 'full-blown superstar' as club find replacement for £42m ace - report

Manchester United are close to making their first signing of the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have had a quiet summer in terms of transfer activity, but they could make several signings over the coming weeks.

Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt recently gave the green light for a transfer and SportBild claim that he is ‘about to move’ to United.

The German giants want a transfer package of £42 million for the 24-year-old, who has been described as a ‘full-blown superstar‘ by Bundesliga.com.

They plan to use part of the funds (£21m) to recruit Bayer Leverkusen captain Jonathan Tah.

De Ligt could be United’s first centre-back signing

United have been tipped to sign a marquee centre-back ahead of the 2024/25 season following the free transfer exit of Raphael Varane this month.

De Ligt is the prime target for manager Erik ten Hag. A transfer could be formalised soon with Bayern having lined up his replacement.

The Netherlands ace looks set to become United’s first centre-back signing. The hierarchy are also lining up another young player for the role.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille’s Leny Yoro are on their radar, but the club are not close to signing either player at the current point of time.

The Toffees have turned down United’s latest £50m offer for Branthwaite. They want £70m for the 21-year-old.

On the other hand, Lille have accepted a £42m bid for Yoro, but the teenager is prioritising a move to Real Madrid.

De Ligt is most likely to become the first acquisition to bolster the Red Devils’ backline and there could be at least two more in the coming weeks.

Aside from another centre-back, United are exploring a deal for Fenerbahce star Ferdi Kadioglu, who can operate from both full-back positions.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com