Bayern Munich make shock call on player wanted by Man Utd as Forest close on Celtic and Wolves target
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Manchester United’s move for Bayern Munich defender Mathijs de Ligt may well have taken a step closer after Bundesliga giants left the Netherlands international out of their squad for their pre-season tour to South Korea.
The Red Devils have already enjoyed a productive summer in the transfer market after completing the additions of Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee and Lille’s highly-rated centre-back Leny Yoro. Despite completing the signing of the latter, Erik ten Hag is still believed to be keen to add to his defensive ranks before the summer transfer window comes to a close at the end of August. His desire to complete the signing of another centre-back has been further heightened by an injury Yoro suffered in a pre-season friendly defeat against Arsenal and news is awaited on the severity of the blow.
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Hide AdTalks over a deal to reunite De Ligt with his former Ajax head coach at Old Trafford are said to be ongoing and Ten Hag has already confirmed his interest in the former Juventus defender during a recent interview with Dutch outlet AD.
He said: “It remains to be seen whether Matthijs de Ligt will come, I know him well. I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time, he was already very far along to join Bayern. Believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process. During my vacation I was three or four weeks out of the process. During that period it was really the club, the newly equipped scouting and recruitment department, that brought in these players. The fact that there are also Dutch people among them is in fact a coincidence. Primarily, these were players who were proposed from our organisation. But of course I support it, let that be clear. And we still make the choice together.”
Bild have reported an initial £30m offer was rejected by Bayern last week but the news De Ligt will not travel to Asia with a Bayern squad containing the likes of Joao Palhinha, Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala may only strengthen the Red Devils belief they can finally conclude a deal for the defender over the near future.
Forest set to land £6m winger wanted by Celtic and Wolves
Nottingham Forest are reportedly set to continue what has already been a hectic summer transfer window with the signing of Portuguese winger Jota Silva.
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Hide AdThe Vitoria Guimaraes star is said to have been under consideration by the likes of Wolves, Brighton, Leicester City and Celtic in recent weeks - but is now ‘closing in on a deal’ to move to the City Ground according to HITC. A £6m deal is said to have been agreed with the Portuguese side and head coach Rui Borges has admitted a departure seems to be on the cards.


Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s Europa Conference League qualifier with Maltese outfit Floriana, he said: “I didn’t know him but, after the first day (of training), I understood why he’s been successful. Because of his character, personality and the way he dedicates himself to work. He surprised me a lot. I have no doubt that he’ll be very successful. The players are ready. The transfer market is like this every year. Jota was a great example (for the squad). He surprised me very positively.
“I knew he could leave at any minute but anyone who saw him work every day saw that his commitment was surreal. He will get where he wants to go because of his resilience and character as a human being. The team has responded well. Did I want Jota to leave? Of course not. But I focus on the day-to-day and the players I have. I wish Jota the best of success. He’s following his path and we’ll follow ours.”
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