Manchester United swoop for Ajax ace Matthijs de Ligt blocked over Paul Pogba treatment as Barcelona close in
Jose Mourinho is facing further disappointment in his chase for a central defender despite wanting the Ajax wonderkid at all costs
MANCHESTER UNITED are set to lose out to Barcelona to land Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho is facing further disappointment in his chase for a central defender despite wanting the wonderkid at all costs.
The Dutch international has been closely watched by the club and De Ligt is believed to favour a move to the Nou Camp.
Their tika-taka play is more suited to the defender whose main trait is being able to play the ball out from the back.
But Mourinho's relationship with Paul Pogba could also scupper the club's chances of landing Ajax sensation de Ligt.
It is the one major snag that is stopping De Ligt from being tempted to join Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old's agent, who has firm control over his future, is Mino Raiola, the same as Pogba.
The midfielder's regular clashes with Mourinho has left the player and agent plotting an exit from Old Trafford in the near future.
Tottenham have also been keeping tabs on the £52million-rated defender - with rumours in Europe claiming bids have already been submitted to Ajax.
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Speaking of the transfer speculation, De Ligt recently told FourFourTwo: “It’s nothing special, to be honest.
“There are so many tabloids writing things. I haven't heard anything, so I focus on Ajax.
“It's nice to see your name linked with those kinds of clubs, but if I didn't hear anything, it doesn't matter.”