Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt's comments on future at odds with Man Utd belief over imminent Barcelona move

Destined for Camp Nou? Manchester United believe Matthijs de Ligt will join Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona
REUTERS

Matthijs de Ligt insists he is still to make a decision over his future, despite Manchester United being convinced he is Barcelona-bound.

The Netherlands international is the most sought-after centre-back in Europe, with United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain among the clubs hoping to lure him from Ajax.

But he has long-been expected to join former club-mate Frenkie de Jong at Camp Nou, with Old Trafford sources informed two months ago that he was out of their reach.

Both United and City have identified Leicester’s Harry Maguire as a potential alternative, while Bayern are the latest club to pull out of the running.

But the ongoing delay over confirmation of De Ligt's move to Barca has only heightened speculation about his future – and the 19-year-old fuelled the uncertainty after helping the Netherlands reach the Nations League Final with victory over England on Thursday.

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He told TalksSport: “Obviously the Premier League is a great competition, but I haven't made up my mind yet.

“I'm still looking at what to do. For me, the most important thing is to play. I think today showed what experience can do.

“Now I'm focusing on the next game against Portugal, that's the most important thing.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to strengthen in every department this summer – but moves for Maguire or long-term target Kalidou Koulibaly are likely to cost upwards of £80million.

Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld has also been on United’s radar for more than 12 months and would represent a much cheaper alternative, given he has a £25m release clause in his contract.

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