Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are the two clubs left standing in the race for Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.
Marca cite a report in Montecarlo Radio that the champions of Spain and the Netherlands are the only clubs remaining in the race, after reports linking English duo Manchester United and Liverpool.
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.
A report in ESPN FC on Thursday also stated that Bayern Munich had pulled out of the race for the player, while Juventus are another side who have been linked.
“I have spoken with Matthijs a week ago about his future and it is secret,” Netherlands boss Ronaldo Koeman explained, as cited by Diario Sport.
“What I say to young people who are thinking of taking a step is that the most important thing is to continue playing, to have minutes to develop their football, and where they play is also important, but that they must choose well with their family, his agent, the environment that surrounds him.”
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.
