Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Bayern Munich regarding the potential acquisition of Matthijs de Ligt, as they seek to finalize a deal before Manchester United, according to a report by Football Insider

Manchester United have marked De Ligt as a primary summer target to bolster their defense, especially after their signing Leny Yoro was ruled for the start of the season due to injury. The club has been on the hunt for an additional centre-back even before Yoro’s recent injury added urgency to their pursuit. Although Manchester United have agreed to personal terms with De Ligt, who is eager to reunite with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, they face new competition from their bitter rivals Liverpool

However, Manchester United have yet to settle on a transfer fee with Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions are demanding approximately €50 million (£42.8 million) for De Ligt, a price that United has not yet met.

Ratcliffe and the new regime is cautious about overpaying for players, a mistake United has made several times in recent years. He is therefore in discussions about a double deal involving De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui at a potentially lower cost.

Earlier reports suggested Ashworth might be instrumental in helping United secure three major targets this summer, with De Ligt being a priority.

The report claims that Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has conducted internal talks with new Liverpool manager Arne Slot regarding De Ligt, and Slot has given the green light to proceed with the transfer. Slot sees his fellow Dutchman as the “perfect” partner for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defense. Both De Ligt and Van Dijk represent the Netherlands on the international stage, which could expedite the development of a strong partnership between them.

Interestingly, the report reveals that Slot has identified De Ligt as a replacement for Van Dijk’s current defensive partner, Ibrahima Konate. The former Feyenoord coach is reportedly “unimpressed” with Konate’s performance during his brief tenure at Liverpool. It is worth noting that Konate experienced a challenging end to last season, despite being regarded as a player with world-class potential.

The report concludes that while Manchester United currently lead the race for De Ligt, having laid significant groundwork for a potential deal, Liverpool are acutely aware of what they need to offer to outbid United and secure the player’s signature, with Bayern Munich still firm on their £42.8 million valuation.