MANCHESTER UNITED are seriously considering a swoop for Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.

The Red Devils are set to splash the cash this summer as new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe targets a first team squad overhaul.

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3Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as a top target for Man UtdCredit: Getty3The centre-back made 22 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern this season

Ratcliffe is determined to strengthen in every area – especially the defence.

And according to The Athletic, De Ligt has emerged as a top target.

United officials view the 24-year-old as an “increasingly viable” candidate.

But club-to-club negotiations are yet to take place and there is no certainty the move will happen.

De Ligt has been on United’s radar since coming through at Ajax.

The Dutchman worked with Erik ten Hag in Amsterdam for two years before joining Juventus in 2019.

And the now-Man Utd boss even made him the club’s youngest ever captain at just 19 years old.

After an unsuccessful spell in Italy, De Ligt signed for Bayern Munich in 2022 and has since made 73 appearances.

Man Utd also remain interested in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Red Devils submitted a bid worth £35m plus £8m in add-ons earlier this month.

It remains on the table, but Everton are reluctant to sell for anything less than £70m.

Both players would fit with Ratcliffe’s five new rules at Old Trafford as they are under 25-years-old.

The new United chief is refusing to sign Galacticos and wants Ten Hag to give him a certain position to strengthen, rather than requesting a certain player.