Manchester United are seriously exploring a move for Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, according to sources.

The Red Devils are planning to spend big this summer as new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to rebuild the first-team squad.

Matthijs De Ligt has emerged as a priority target for Manchester United.

Ratcliffe, a centre-back for Bayern, had 22 Bundesliga games this season. He aims to improve the defensive.

According to The Athletic, De Ligt has emerged as a key target.

According to United officials, the 24-year-old is a “increasingly viable” prospect.

However, club-to-club negotiations have yet to take place, and the transfer is not guaranteed.

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

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

At the age of 19, the current Manchester United manager appointed him the club’s youngest ever captain.

Following a failed spell in Italy, De Ligt joined Bayern Munich in 2022 and has since made 73 appearances.

Manchester United are also interested in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Earlier this month, the Red Devils placed a proposal of £35 million plus £8 million in add-ons.

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

Both players would be eligible for Ratcliffe’s five new rules at Old Trafford because they are under 25 years old.

The new United manager refuses to sign Galacticos and wants Ten Hag to assign him a specific position to reinforce, rather than asking a specific player.