Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is reportedly only willing to sanction transfer funds this January for a top young player like Matthijs de Ligt.

The Netherlands international is widely regarded as one of the finest young players in Europe at the moment, and looks a defender already capable of playing for an elite club in one of the big five leagues.

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Calciomercato recently claimed United had scouted De Ligt in Ajax’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, and there has now been another update.

While it’s not clear how realistic United’s prospects of competing for De Ligt are at the moment, the Times suggest he is a player Woodward would make an exception for this January.

The 19-year-old would undoubtedly strengthen what has been a problem position for MUFC this term, giving them a fine long-term solution in that area of the pitch.

Matthijs de Ligt has shone for Ajax