Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd transfer news: De Ligt development prompts Chelsea battle to pull off summer-defining coup

Netherlands centre-back Matthijs de Ligt

Juventus may be about to cash in on Matthijs de Ligt with Man Utd among three Premier League big hitters reportedly sizing up a huge move.

The 22-year-old moved to Juventus for a whopping €75m when still a teenager in 2019. De Ligt signed a five-year deal running until 2024 which included a release clause of €125m.

That clause is still present within his current contract, though per the Italian press, De Ligt wants it addressed.

Corriere dello Sport (via Football Italia), state the centre-half wants the release clause either significantly lowered or removed entirely if he is to pen a contract extension.

It’s intimated Juventus do not wish to remove the clause as it offers them financial protection from the richers clubs, primarily in England.

Indeed, Premier League trio Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all deemed to have De Ligt in their sights.

From further afield, PSG and Barcelona are interested, though the latter are unlikely to be involved if De Ligt moves this summer due to their financial predicament.

De Ligt’s demand will reportedly see Juventus struggle to tie him down to fresh terms. As such, they may be willing to cash in this summer if it becomes apparent a new deal is a non-starter.

Juventus player Matthijs De Ligt (right) with girlfriend AnneKee Molenaar (left) are guests of the presentation of "All or Nothing: Juventus”. Juventus Football Club

Whether the Turin club would hold out for the full €125m (£106m) release clause isn’t stated. Though his contract situation would leave them somewhat vulnerable and potentially open to a sale for a lesser amount if transfer interest is firmed up.

The outlet declare the ball to now be in De Ligt’s court over his future. Should he refuse to commit his long-term future to Juventus, it’s suggested they’ll look to cash in.

De Ligt transfer could shape the summer

A blockbuster exit would completely reshape Juve’s summer plans. They’re understood to be targeting reinforcements in the final third with Paulo Dybala leaving as a free agent.

De Ligt would command a sizeable fee and give them plenty of ammunition to make their moves. Likewise, his potential arrival at Chelsea or Man Utd would solve an issue with both clubs hunting centre-back reinforcements this summer.

The Blues are seeking at least two new centre-halves following Antonio Rudiger’s exit. Andreas Christensen could join Barcelona, while Cesar Azpilicueta’s future remains unclear too.

De Ligt to Chelsea could be on the cards

De Ligt to Chelsea could be on the cards

Juventus centre back De Ligt could be looking for a move away from Turin and Chelsea is definitely an option

United, meanwhile, have been linked with Pau Torres and Jurrien Timber. De Ligt would cost more than that pair, though is the more accomplished defender at present despite only being 22. He is also well known to Ten Hag through their time at Ajax.

Liverpool’s apparent interest makes the least sense of the three. The Reds are well stocked at centre-back and their inclusion in the piece is perhaps a holdover from their reported interest before they signed Ibrahima Konate.