Report – Man City lead race for Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt

Manchester City have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign Ajax youngster Matthijs de Ligt, according to the Daily Mail.

The 19-year-old defender is expected to leave the Dutch outfit during the summer transfer window, and there will be no shortage of interested suitors.

The La Liga giants Barcelona have been linked with an approach for the Dutchman but according to the report, Barca are unlikely to be able to afford the centre-back.

Barcelona have recently spent heavily and keen on bringing in a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez, leaving Premier League champions Manchester City in a position where they could lead the race for De Ligt.

The Italian champions Juventus are also said to be keen on the centre-back, who is likely to cost somewhere in the region of £75m.