Bayern Munich make decision on Man Utd joint bid for Matthijs de Ligt & Noussair Mazraoui
- Man Utd launched joint bid for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui earlier this week
- Red Devils keen on further reinforcements in defence
- Bayern Munich respond to Man Utd's offer
By Sean Walsh
Bayern Munich have rejected Manchester United's double bid for defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, according to several reports.
The Red Devils remain in the market for defensive reinforcements and have long identified the Bayern duo as solutions to their current problems.
Personal terms have already been agreed with centre-back De Ligt and right-back Mazraoui. With both players represented by the same agent, Rafaela Pimenta, United lodged a joint bid to Bayern in recent days.
However, various reports claim Bayern have knocked back this approach, though the two clubs remain in talks over a double deal.
The Daily Telegraph write that Pimenta and her clients have been left 'in some bemusement' by Bayern's decision as they believed United's offer was acceptable, and they are investigating whether the Bundesliga side have unfairly changed their stance - the club promised De Ligt and Mazroaui they would help facilitate summer exits if suitable offers came in.
United went into the window hoping to bring in two centre-backs, and after new signing Leny Yoro was ruled out for three months with a foot injury, that intention has been emboldened. Meanwhile, Mazraoui's arrival also hinges on whether they can sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is in discussions over a move to West Ham United.
Though United are expected to lodge further bids - whether they be joint again or separate - they are not expected to pay over the odds for De Ligt or Mazraoui.
Bayern have added two defenders to their ranks already this summer. Eric Dier has joined on a permanent transfer following a successful loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur, while Stuttgart's Hiroki Ito made the switch to Bavaria in June. They also beat a host of English clubs, including United, to the signature of Michael Olise.