Manchester United are reportedly still in the hunt for highly sought-after 19-year-old Ajax wonderkid Matthijs de Ligt, who is also a summer target for Barcelona.

According to a report by The Telegraph, Manchester United can continue to have hopes of signing Dutch defensive wonderkid Matthijs de Ligt in the summer transfer window. The Ajax captain, who is also a target for Barcelona among other clubs, is attracted by the idea of becoming the poster boy of a Manchester United revival.

Speaking of poster boys, Matthijs de Ligt, perhaps the hottest property in world football at the present moment, is the poster boy of the Dutch revolution that has seen Holland become one of the most exciting sides in international football. At club level, de Ligt was already a widely talked about figure, having made his first-team debut aged just 17.

A generational talent that is destined for big things. (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)
A generational talent that is destined for big things. (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)

His stature has risen so much that the teenage prodigy has already completed one season of being the Ajax captain, despite being only 19. And, under his captaincy, the Dutch giants have completed the domestic double while also reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. And, his exploits have attracted suitors in the form of Manchester United.

The Red Devils are in a disarray at the moment, having missed out on Champions League for the third time in the last five years. While there are issues all over the pitch, defence is what presents the most concern, with Manchester United keeping the fewest clean sheets at home in the Premier League this season, a staggering stat for a club of their stature.

The centre-backs, bar Victor Lindelof, inspire very little confidence, which is why Manchester United continue to be linked with a gamut of central defenders. But, de Ligt is arguably the best centre-back that United can dream of signing at the present moment.

Recent reports though, suggested that the Premier League heavyweights stood no chance of signing the 19-year-old superstar this summer. But, The Telegraph claim otherwise, iterating that de Ligt is, in fact, enticed by the idea of joining Manchester United and become the poster boy of their resurgence.

The prospect of playing Europa League next season would usually throw off possible target, which is why the outlook of the Ajax defender comes as a surprise. But, as far as United are concerned, securing the services of de Ligt will certainly be a huge boost, considering the leadership he will bring to the squad.

The player’s preference of clubs though, will comes a major blow to Barcelona’s hopes of signing him, at least as per the report, as they preferred he spent another season with Ajax before bringing him to Camp Nou. But, it still remains to be seen if The Telegraph indeed are correct in their claims and if so, Manchester United actually end up signing de Ligt.

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