Man Utd just got $54m transfer green light and Liverpool should consider a hijack

Bayern Munich's top brass Uli Hoeness has hinted that Matthijs de Ligt could be on his way out this summer , with Manchester United waiting in the wings. The 24-year-old Dutch international has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with a move to the Red Devils, even after United's recent coup in snapping up Leny Yoro.

De Ligt and Manchester United's boss Erik ten Hag have a shared history from their Ajax days, and it's believed De Ligt is open to a Premier League switch to reunite with him. With United's sights set on bolstering their midfield next, they're still keen on adding another quality defender to their ranks, provided they can generate the funds through player sales.

Hoeness's comments have reignited the buzz around De Ligt potentially making a switch to Old Trafford. Speaking over the weekend (via the Daily Mirror ), Hoeness mused about the club's transfer strategy, saying: "It's possible that a defender will leave. De Ligt is Dutch, the coach at Manchester United is Dutch... I would have no problem if he stays. Personally, I would not sell Upamecano."

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Yoro is tipped to form a partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of Manchester United's defense but the Red Devils might still be in the market for another central defender if they manage to move Victor Lindelof on. De Ligt is valued at around $54m (£42m/€50m).

Ten Hag has been open about the ongoing negotiations for De Ligt, telling Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad : "We still have to wait and see whether De Ligt will come. But the good thing is, during my vacation I was out of the process for three or four weeks. During that period it was really the club, the newly established scouting and recruitment department, that brought in these players."

He added: "The fact that there are also Dutch players among them is actually a coincidence. Primarily these were players who were brought in by our organisation. But of course, I support them, let that be clear, and we still make the choice together."

Liverpool.com says: De Ligt hasn't quite become the center-back that many thought he would yet, but that is the kind of deal where Liverpool could potentially spot some value. He was really highly thought of when he was at Ajax but just needs to find the right club and the right coach to unlock that talent.

The stumbling block could be his wages given he has already been at Juventus and Bayern Munich . If his salary demands were reasonable, De Ligt might represent a good option for Liverpool . It certainly needs to be considering signing a defender ahead of Arne Slot's first campaign in charge.