Manchester United have been told that centre-back Matthijs de Ligt will only let them negotiate with him this summer as he plans an exit from Bayern Munich.
The Dutch international has fallen down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena, with Bayern having recently hired Vincent Kompany to replace Thomas Tuchel, who only started De Ligt 16 times in the Bundesliga last season. Despite the managerial change, it seems clear that De Ligt sees United as his only option to secure regular minutes.
United's defensive line is an area in desperate need of an upgrade given the number of injuries they suffered in that area last season, as well as the departure of Raphael Varane, who ended his three-year stint at Old Trafford in May following the expiration of his contract.
Speaking on his Transfer Show, journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed: "Matthijs de Ligt has told his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, already one week ago that the only club allowed to be in negotiations with him, with his camp, with his agent, is Manchester United.
"Matthijs de Ligt wants to give priority to Manchester United and he wants to go to Manchester United," Romano continued.
"At Bayern, he is not a regular starter. With the Dutch national team, he is not a regular starter and de Ligt wants to play on a regular basis. De Ligt wants to find a top club where he can be trusted 100%. De Ligt knows that, at Manchester United, there is Erik ten Hag, who has been in communication with De Ligt."
Elsewhere, United are also reportedly interested in Tottenham Hotspur starlet Mikey Moore, rivalling Manchester City for the youngster's signature. Moore has scored 10 goals in just 12 appearances for England’s under-17s, on top of 22 goal contributions in 12 appearances for Spurs' under-18s last season.
The 16-year-old is still yet to sign a professional contract with the north London club, but will no doubt do so when he turns 17 next month, although it's believed both United and City have already sent the striker a professional contract of their own.