Bayern Munich pull out of the running for Manchester United target

 

Bayern Munich are no longer in the race to sign Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt, claims ESPN.

 

De Ligt is the most sought after defender in Europe and after captaining Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals last season.


Barcelona, Manchester United, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are all pursuing the 19-year-old with a decision expected to be made after the conclusion of the UEFA Nations League finals.

 

Bayern were also in the running to sign De Ligt but have now pulled the plug on their interest in order to strengthen other positions in the squad.

 

Barcelona were considered the clear frontrunners to sign De Ligt at the end of last season having already wrapped up a deal to sign his Ajax team-mate Frankie de Jong.

 

Bayern Munich pull out of the running for Manchester United target

 

 

However, other clubs have since been given encouragement to pursue De Ligt’s signature and now Barcelona are concerned they will miss out on the 19-year-old.

 

Despite missing out on Champions League football for next season, there is a growing feeling De Ligt may opt for a surprise move to United.

 

De Ligt finished the 2018/19 campaign in the WhoScored Team of the Season in both the Eredivisie and Champions League.