Man Utd to battle Chelsea for Matthijs de Ligt

Manchester United are set to go head-to-head with Chelsea in the pursuit of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The Netherlands international has two years left on his Bianconeri contract, but he could leave them after handing in a transfer request.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Blues recently made an offer of €45m plus Timo Werner for De Ligt, but the offer was swiftly rejected.

It is added that United are planning to enter the race, but it won't be easy to prise away the defender during the ongoing transfer window.

De Ligt currently has a release clause worth €115m on his contract, and Juventus are set to hold out for at least €80-90m to sell him.

It remains to be seen which club is prepared to meet their proposal. Chelsea may have the upper hand over United, who have other priorities.

The Blues are eager to sign a new central defender first after witnessing the free transfer exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

On the other hand, United want to pursue a defensive midfielder first and may only move for De Ligt after finalising a deal for Frenkie de Jong.