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Matthijs De Ligt Reportedly Close To Manchester United Deal

Matthijs De Ligt Reportedly Close To Manchester United Deal

The Ajax centre back had been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona but it looks like Manchester United could be his destination.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Ajax centre back Matthijs de Ligt, who was strongly linked with a move to Barcelona this summer, is reportedly close to agreeing terms for a move to Manchester United.

Last season was almost an unmitigated disaster for Manchester United. The only solace for the club was the small upturn in fortune when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer first took over, that led to the famous comeback win against PSG in the Champions League.

By the end of the season things had gone back to how they were in December, when Jose Mourinho was sacked, and pundits were asking if Solskjaer's appointment was the right one.

After being hammered by Barcelona in the Champions League quarter finals, losing in the FA Cup to Wolves in the same round and finishing sixth in the Premier League it's a huge summer for United.

The manager reportedly wants upcoming young talent signed rather than the 'big names' that the team has either signed or been linked to in recent years, like Alexis Sanchez and Gareth Bale.

Swansea City's Daniel James is expected to be the first summer signing but that could now be trumped by a much bigger deal.

According to a reliable Spanish source in Barcelona, Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt is close to agreeing a deal to join United.

De Ligt is one of the most sought after players in Europe after his exploits for Ajax in the Champions League, and Eredivisie, this season.

He is only 19 but captained the team at centre back with an assurance and confidence way beyond his years as the Dutch side beat Real Madrid and Juventus on their way to the semi finals of the continent's elite club competitions.

De Ligt was instrumental to Ajax's success this season. Image: PA Images
De Ligt was instrumental to Ajax's success this season. Image: PA Images

The teenager was expected to follow teammate Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona and has also been linked with a move to Manchester City and Liverpool.

If he does move to Old Trafford it will be a huge coup for United who do not have Champions League football next season.

They have been after another central defender since last summer and beating some of their rivals to one of the hottest young talents in football would be show of intent.

Will United get their man?

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Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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@Sidler28