Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has addressed continued speculation linking Matthijs de Ligt with Manchester United, confirming he would discuss reasons for selling the defender ‘when the time comes’.

De Ligt has been firmly on United’s radar since the start of the window in their search for two new centre-backs.

Erik ten Hag’s side saw a joint bid for De Ligt and right-back Noussair Mazraoui rejected last week. The two clubs remain in talks.

Eberl, who has tackled transfer speculation head on since joining the club earlier this year, has addressed talk of losing De Ligt, claiming that he is still a ‘Bayern player’.

“I will comment on the reasons when the time comes,” he told Sky Sports Germany. “It is not yet that time.

“Matthijs played very well here for two years, and that is why many fans like him. Nevertheless, you have to think about how you decide and also how the boy feels. He is still a player for FC Bayern. And as long as he is, he will get all the support from us.”

United recently completed the signing of French star Leny Yoro, who made only two appearances in pre-season before suffering an injury that will see him remain on the sidelines for three months. Reports then claimed the club tried to keep this under wraps so as not to weaken their negotiating standpoint with Bayern for De Ligt.

The Red Devils have returned from their pre-season tour of the United States and will face rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday, before looking ahead to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

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