De Ligt’s Man Utd comments – and what they tell us about transfer chances

Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as a Manchester United transfer target once again less than a year after joining Juventus.

The Holland international centre-back was on the Red Devils' radar last summer when he was the subject of a bidding war from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Bayern Munich and United.

The Serie A giants came out on top, snapping up the young defender for £67.5million.

But things haven't exactly worked out for the centre-back, who has made just 15 league appearances this season. And amid claims the 20-year-old is unsettled in Turin, Manchester United have emerged as a contender to sign him once more.

The Red Devils have been keeping an eye on the defender's progress in Italy, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to bring in another world-class centre-back.

De Ligt hasn't spoken out on the recent speculation, but he did refer to United when talking about the transfer link prior to signing for Juve.

In an interview with Voetbal International, De Ligt said: "A lot has been said and written and it seemed that I made a decision overnight, but of course that wasn't the case.

"It was very annoying that so much was speculated. I tried to shut myself off, although with all the social media that is never entirely possible."

He added: "I have been laughing at such messages for a long time, but it also makes you tired at some point. There was something every day. Suddenly even my father was too fat, which is why a club [United] would not want me.

"Then you think 'Come on man'. At some point it gets annoying."

The comments aren't exactly positive, but Manchester United have made an effort to mend their relationship with De Ligt's agent Mino Raiola in recent months, which may bode well when the transfer window re-opens.

Raiola is also Paul Pogba's agent, and there is the belief he could orchestrate a swap-deal, with the Frenchman returning to Juventus.

De Ligt also spoke out about his ambition prior to his move to Juve.

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