Bayern Munich will demand £42million from Manchester United for defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports in Germany. 

The Red Devils are in the market for a new central defender following the departure of Raphael Varane. Their injury-hit 2023-24 campaign saw them turn to veteran Jonny Evans and even defensive midfielder Casemiro.

United are in the driving seat to land Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite and are expected to improve upon their opening £43m bid that was dismissed by the Toffees this week. 

However, the Goodison Park club's valuation of £75m for the 21-year-old could result in United walking away from discussions and, according to Sky Germany, turning their attention to De Light. 

They report that the Old Trafford side have begun internal discussions over a move for the 24-year-old, who is currently on international duty with the Netherlands at Euro 2024.

The German giants are reported to be prepared to sell the defender for a fee in the region of €50m (£42m). A sale at that price would represent a loss for the Bavarians, who signed the Dutchman from Ajax for £65.6m only two years ago. 

De Light could be reunited with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford after the coach was confirmed to be staying in the United dug out following weeks of speculation over his job. 

De Light has not fared particularly well at the Allianz Arena since departing for Germany, with his most recent campaign hampered by injury and loss of form. He started only 16 games in the Bundesliga as Bayern failed to win a trophy for the first time in 12 years. 

He dismissed talk about his future when asked this week and insisted that his focus was on the national team. 

'I’ve already said this is not the time for me to think about it.' He said. 'We’re playing at the Euros now and that’s very important for me and the national team. That’s why I can’t say now what I think about this situation.

‘But what I can say is that I’ve now played my second season at Bayern – I’m very happy. For now I’m focused on the Euros and then we’ll see what happens.'

Netherlands begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Poland in Hamburg on Sunday afternoon. Ronald Koeman's side will then take on France before meeting Austria in their final Group D match on June 25. 

Elsewhere, Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice, the other club INEOS own, remains an option as another centre-back signing this summer.

Their transfer budget will depend on outgoings, with a number of players, including Mason Greenwood, set to leave the club.