Real Madrid have joined the race to sign in-demand Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt amid reports of a Sergio Ramos exit, say El Mundo Deportivo.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for the Dutchman but it is claimed that Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all offered more money for the defender who is yet to commit on his future for next season.
The 19-year-old has been the captain of the Amsterdam-based club for over a year and has starred for club and country.
Widely regarded as one of the best upcoming talents in world football, the central defender is set to command a €70m fee from Ajax.
Madrid have been informed by captain Ramos that he is seriously considering an exit this summer, and whilst they have signed Eder Militao from Porto, may seek for further defensive reinforcement.
It is claimed that the defender is doubtful over his prominence at the Camp Nou, with Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti already offering plenty of cover in his position.
Such a move for de Ligt would jeopardise the future of Umtiti – who has been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou in such a scenario.
There has been hope at the Catalan club that the €85m agreement with Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong would help persuade his compatriot to join the Camp Nou.
De Ligt starred in his side’s run to the Champions League semi-finals, heading in the winner in the quarter-finals at Juventus before also netting in the last four against Tottenham.
It is claimed that such were the levels of the defender’s performance that his agent Mino Raiola has upped his and his client’s demands for a deal, leaving the Catalan giants with cold feet on a deal.
The club are said to be hopeful the defender chooses ‘sporting reasons’ rather than ‘economic motivations’ in any deal, but their ‘good sensations are now gone’.
