Barcelona Make First Move For Young Liverpool Target

Ajax Amsterdam defender Matthijs De Ligt is one of the most sought-after defensive players on the European football scene and reports claim that Spanish champions Barcelona have made the first move in the race to sign him.

The young Dutch centre-back has been in sensational form for both club and country thus leading to interests from the crème de la crème of European football.

The Premier League trio of Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are all in the running for the 19-year-old.

The English clubs will have to contend with Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona who have been installed as early favourites to sign him.

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According to the report from Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona have initiated talks with the player’s agent, Mino Raiola.

It was also revealed that he’s the top target for the five-time European champions ahead of the upcoming transfer window scheduled to begin as from the 1st of January and that Ajax have already slapped the sum of €65m on him.

Barcelona strengthened their centre-back options in the summer with the addition of Cristian Lenglet from fellow Spanish side Sevilla.

Thomas Vermaelen, Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti are the other centre-backs at the club.