Barcelona scout Ajax starlet

 

Barcelona are interested in signing Ajax’s teenage defender Matthijs de Ligt, reports Mundo Deportivo.

 

Ernesto Valverde’s side have been regular visitors at Ajax’s matches in recent times and are now keeping a close eye on the teenager after missing out on preferred target Davinson Sanchez to Tottenham.

 

De Ligt, 18, was a standout performer for Ajax during their Europa League final defeat to Manchester United last season and is now on Barcelona’s radar.

 

Barcelona chief’s Roberto Fernandez and Urbano Ortega have good relations with the Dutch giants and are also keeping track of the progress of teenage duo Kasper Dolberg and Justin Kluivert, who is the son of former Barcelona striker Patrick.

 

De Ligt made his debut for the Netherlands national team at the age of just 17 but it was a day to forget for the central defender, who was quickly exposed on the international scene.

 

Barcelona scout Ajax starlet

 

The teenage centre-back has made an impressive start to the season for Ajax, featuring in every single minute of league action for Marcel Keizer’s side.

 

In fact, only Nick Viergever (82) averages more passes per game than De Ligt (70.3) for Ajax in the league this season.