Manchester United have stepped up their attempts to bolster their defence with a bid for Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, a source has told ESPN.
De Ligt and Mazraoui are both available this summer and Bayern value the pair at a combined £55m ($70.4m). United's offer has fallen short of that valuation and the Bundesliga side are on the verge of rejecting it.
Coach Erik ten Hag is interested in adding another centre-back and a full-back to his squad before the transfer deadline.
Leny Yoro, a £52m summer signing from Lille, has been ruled out for three months with a broken foot, while left-back Tyrell Malacia is not expected to return for another two months as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.
Sources have told ESPN that United's plan was always to look for more defensive signings and that formal contact with Bayern was not prompted by Yoro's injury.
There remains interest in Jarrad Branthwaite, who can play at centre-back and left-back, although Everton's valuation of more than £70m is proving problematic. Everton have already rejected two bids from United.
Despite spending more than £85m to sign Yoro and striker Joshua Zirkzee this summer, United have been able to lodge a significant offer with Bayern due to growing confidence that Aaron Wan-Bissaka will complete his move to West Ham.
United value the right-back at £15-£20m and a deal with West Ham is looking increasingly likely. West Ham had previously shown interest in Mazraoui before the deal fell through.
A source told ESPN that both De Ligt and Mazraoui are interested in moving to Old Trafford if the two clubs can reach an agreement.
