Matthijs de Ligt would still like to join Manchester United, despite them sealing the Leny Yoro deal.
Teenage talent Yoro joined United this week from Lille in a deal worth £52million, as new shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe made his intentions clear, with United battling to regain the prowess they once had.
It had seemed as though the Frenchman would be heading to Real Madrid. But United's willingness to part with the larger fee saw them steal his signature. Now, the agenda turns to whether any of United's other centre-back targets will also be recruited.
De Ligt was linked heavily in recent weeks with United, and despite some reports stating he wishes to remain in Germany with Bayern Munich, new claims from Gianluca Di Marzio make it clear that the Dutchman would still be keen on a move if United do indeed plan to bring in a second defender.
With Raphael Varane leaving the club for free and Victor Lindelof on the chopping block, a new centre-half was needed at Old Trafford. Yoro will fit in nicely beside Argentinian bruiser Lisandro Martinez, who missed a large chunk of last season through injury – while even Harry Maguire's future is still somewhat up in the air depending on the business United can yet do.
The Red Devils may still be worried over Martinez's injury history, and don't want to be left with only Jonny Evans to replace him again. The club ultimately prioritised Yoro over De Ligt, but United are still keen on the defender.
De Ligt himself has, like United, not made it publicly clear whether he is happy at his current club. Speaking to wettbasis.com, Gianluca Di Marzio suggested the defender does in fact want the move and that Yoro's arrival likely won't change United's stance.
The journalist said the Red Devils were always in the market for two first-team defenders this summer, adding that De Ligt is "focused on going to Manchester United" and "wants to be there." However, it has for some time now been apparent that agreeing a suitable fee with Bayern will be the sticking point.
However, that contrasts with historical reports that the player doesn't see United as a decent proposition. Back in 2019, when De Ligt had just set the world alight with Ajax and gained the attention of every top club in Europe, a source close to the then-19-year-old said: "Matthijs is going to become the best defender in the world.
"He will have the choice to join whoever he wants, but he has no interest in going to United. They are not the attractive proposition they once were. He knows he is in a strong bargaining position because his stock has risen so fast. He's one of the most in-demand stars on the planet."
It may be safe to say that United haven't exactly improved from where they were in 2019. Then, playing Champions League football, it will just be the Europa League for the Red Devils this time around, but the project is far better now.
De Ligt and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite are evidently on United's wish-list, but time will tell if they have missed the boat on a move for either.
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