Report: Manchester United want De Ligt, Juventus unwilling to sell

Manchester United will make a renewed attempt at signing Matthijs de Ligt during the upcoming transfer window if Juventus are prepared to entertain offers for the Dutchman, sources told Mark Ogden of ESPN.

United were among the clubs interested in the central defender last summer before the Italian side struck a €75-million deal with Ajax. The brass at United acknowledge that Juventus are unlikely to sell the young Dutch international so soon after bringing him aboard.

The 20-year-old started 17 Serie A matches for Juve prior to the league shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic. He had looked increasingly comfortable alongside Leonardo Bonucci after a bumpy start to life in Turin.

United are keen to add a central defender at season's end - whenever that may be - and De Ligt is seen as possessing the "perfect profile" for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad, Ogden adds. Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly has also been touted as an option.

The Red Devils' interest in De Ligt is longstanding, dating back to 2017. A move wasn't sanctioned at the time, though, as the club's senior recruitment officials were reportedly worried about the youngster's weight.