Manchester United have submitted bids to Bayern Munich to acquire the services of both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui this summer, according to The Athletic.
The Red Devils are in dire need of defensive reinforcements ahead of the new campaign, and they stepped up their pursuit of the Bayern defensive duo on Thursday by submitting a joint bid.
However, the Bundesliga club have rejected the offers, telling Man United they will need a higher fee to reach an agreement for both De Ligt and Mazraoui, and talks are ongoing between the two clubs.
The Netherlands international and his Morocco international counterpart have been told by Bayern that they are surplus to requirements ahead of 2024-25, but that has not made getting a joint deal done for them any easier.
Man United manager Erik ten Hag knows them from their time together at Ajax, and a reunion could now be on the cards if both clubs can reach an agreement.
The Red Devils have already struck an agreement with both De Ligt and Mazraoui, with personal terms in place on five-year contracts, which include an option to extend by 12 months for each player.
An injury to Leny Yoro against Arsenal in a friendly last weekend has forced Man United to enter into the transfer market and bolster their defensive ranks, with the Frenchman set to spend three months out of action.
Tyrell Malacia is also yet to return to action, and the versatility of Mazraoui has made him an important signing.
Injuries decimated the Red Devils last term and Ten Hag knows he cannot afford another campaign with constant fitness struggles and woes within his squad.
Adding the Bayern defenders to their team will make Man United stronger at the back, and attention can then shift to midfield where they hope to land Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
