Football

What Man Utd have done after Matthijs de Ligt transfer as chiefs plot shock Juventus deal


The Red Devils were thought to be keen on De Ligt earlier this summer as a number of top European clubs scrambled to sign the Dutchman.

But the 19-year-old officially joined Juventus this week in a £67.5million deal which sees him become the second-most expensive defender of all time.

And in response, Turkish-Football report that Manchester United have spoken to the representatives of Demiral, who also plays for the Serie A champions.

The Turkey international only joined Juve from Sassuolo earlier this month in an £16.1m (€18m) deal following a successful six-month stint in which he made 14 appearances and even scored two goals.

But the report suggests that De Ligt’s arrival clouds Demiral’s future already, with new manager Maurizio Sarri already having captain Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele Rugani to pick from in the centre of defence on top the incoming teenager.

Atletico Madrid have also been in contact with Demiral’s representatives having been keen on a deal before Juve signed him.

Both United and Atleti are said to be keen on opening formal talks with Juve regarding the defender, with the Spanish club also having enquired about his availability to the player’s agency.

The Old Lady have already fielded interest in Demiral from Serie A rivals AC Milan, whose approaches were rebuffed with Juve unwilling to loan him out or sell him without a buy-back clause.

Demiral is only 21 years old and with Chiellini on the verge of turning 35 and Bonucci now 32, seemingly remains viewed as a potentially key first-team player in the future even if immediate opportunities may be limited at the Allianz Stadium.

Calciomercato have previously claimed that Juve want at least (£35.9m) €40m to sell Demiral just weeks after bringing in the player.

That fee would still be significantly cheaper than what United would have to pay to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City.

The Foxes want a fee that would make the England ace the most expensive defender ever, surpassing the £75m sum Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk 18 months ago.

United had a £70m opening bid rejected for the 26-year-old earlier this month with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City also having been keen on him.

But it appears City are reluctant to firm up their interest in Maguire because of Leicester’s demands, leaving United clear to sign the player provided they up their offer.

Sky Sports claim that Maguire has told the Midlands club he wants to leave the King Power Stadium.

It was reported on Thursday that the defender is becoming increasingly frustrated about his future and that he would be honoured to play at United having grown up idolising Old Trafford legends Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

Speaking this week, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that he is hopeful of securing two more deals having already signed Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

“It’s hard getting players in and over the line,” he admitted.

“We’ve been doing our jobs. We’ve been scouting, finding and identifying players.

“It took time with Aaron, it took time with Dan, but they got it over the line.

“It’s not like we’re going to sign 10 players. It can’t be a quick fix.

“We’re working on one or two and we’re still hoping, but I also understand that the market has changed – prices have soared.”



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