Matthijs de Ligt responds to Manchester United transfer speculation | Soccer

The Dutchman joined the Serie A giants for a fee of around £80million in 2019 after Ajax’s incredible run to the Champions League semi-finals.

Under Erik ten Hag’s tutelage, De Ligt has become the most sought-after player in Europe, although his shares have fallen in his three years at Turin.

Still, Ten Hag would love to be reunited with the defender in the theater of dreams and De Ligt was told on international duty he is a target for United.

Although he didn’t rule out staying in Torino, de Ligt gave United hope by saying his decision would be influenced by the “sporting project”.

“Right now I’m concentrating on how I play on the pitch. When the moment is right, I will decide to extend or keep looking

“I look at the sports project. Fourth in a row two years in a row is not good enough, and Juventus know that too.

“As Juventus, we have to take steps. I’m a Juventus player so that’s what I’m focusing on.”

Although a central midfielder and a new striker are Erik Ten Hag’s priorities, a central defender is another problem position the Dutchman is keen to tackle.

He is keen to sign Ajax ace Jurrien Timber but the 20-year-old is at odds over a move to Old Trafford, especially as it comes in Qatar just ahead of the World Cup.

Frenkie de Jong, De Ligt’s former Ajax teammate, is a key target while Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez is another.

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