Manchester United have received two bits of positive transfer news today that can give their fans plenty to be optimistic about in regards to potential signings of both Gareth Bale and Matthijs de Ligt.

The Red Devils have been strongly linked with both players for some time now, and it seems like things are moving into place nicely for them to snap up both in this summer’s transfer window.

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Matthijs de Ligt in action for Ajax

Firstly, a report from Don Balon suggests Barcelona – previously the favourites for De Ligt – are set to cool their interest in the 20-year-old Dutchman as they’re happy with their current defensive options.

This is good news for United, who are also linked by Don Balon as still being in the running, as they’ll face one less major rival in the running for his signature.

Given that De Ligt is available for just £60million this summer, that should give the Premier League giants little trouble meeting his asking price and bringing in the world class centre-back they so urgently need.