Reported Liverpool transfer target Matthijs de Ligt is “close” to signing for Barcelona, according to journalist Guillem Balague.

The Ajax centre-back is one of the most talked-about young players in world football, winning the European Golden Boy award back in December.

At just 19, De Ligt is already a key man for club and country and his exit from Ajax this summer feels inevitable.

Liverpool have been continually linked with signing the teenager, who partners Virgil van Dijk at the back for the Netherlands.

According to Balague, however, it is Barcelona who remains the strong favourites to sign him.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Spanish journalist also confirmed Liverpool’s interest:

De Ligt, of course, is possibly going to Barcelona.

There’s been meetings between Barcelona and [De Ligt’s agent] Mino Raiola in recent weeks and also Barcelona and Ajax.

They’re willing to pay about €70m (£61m), Ajax are happy with that.

It’s now down to the player where he wants to go to. Bayern Munich, PSG and Liverpool wanted him.

But I feel that he’s close – or that’s what Barcelona feels, that they’re close to getting him.

There is a cup final to be played so I don’t know when the announcement will be made but in the next couple of weeks we should know everything about that one.

De Ligt would be a huge signing for the Reds, but Barca have always felt like his likely next destination.

His Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong has already moved to the Nou Camp ahead of next season and it would be a surprise if he didn’t follow suit.


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