Manchester United have been given a key boost in their pursuit of Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.
The Netherlands international centre-back joined Bayern in 2022 after a three-year spell at Juventus.
Prior to that, he was managed by Erik ten Hag at Ajax, becoming the youngest player to play in a major European final when he lined up against Manchester United in the Europa League in 2017.
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With United needing to bolster their defence this summer, they have been heavily linked with making a move for the 24-year-old centre-back.
It is likely they would need to secure Champions League football to even attempt to achieve that objective, however, with Thomas Tuchel's side one of the favourites to win this season's competition.
But United have now been given a boost in their attempts to sign De Ligt, according to reports in Germany.
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German outlet BILD claim that issues have developed between De Ligt and Tuchel, which increase the likelihood of the Dutchman leaving the Allianz Arena on a permanent transfer.
It is claimed that, in September, De Ligt 'stormed out' of the stadium 'without speaking to anyone' after Bayern secured a 4-3 win over United in the Champions League group stage.
But the defender remains a key part of the starting XI under Tuchel when fit, having recently returned from an injury that saw him miss over a month of action.
However, he was absent from training during Bayern's winter training camp on Wednesday along with fellow centre-back Dayot Upamecano, with both players suffering from injury issues.
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That could mean Eric Dier, who recently joined the club on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season, could make a surprise start for his new club when they return to Bundesliga action against Werder Bremen on Sunday afternoon.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Transfers, Bayern Munich, Matthijs De Ligt