Liverpool's hopes of signing Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt are very much alive as it has been revealed that the Reds 'have been talking' to the Dutchman.

The 19-year-old is one of the most sought-after players in Europe this summer after captaining Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals and the Eredivisie title.

The huge centre-back has shown great prowess as a leader, a defender and as a threat from corners, scoring three times in the Dutch side’s Champions League run.

Barcelona were thought to be the front-runners for the teenager’s signature, but Spanish journalist Guillem Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily Podcast that the Reds have 'been talking to him.'

Manchester United and Manchester City are also thought to be monitoring De Ligt’s situation, which had looked to be sewn up.

A deal to take the defender to Barcelona appeared to be almost a certainty, but there has reportedly been a stumbling block over the demands of De Ligt’s agent, Mino Raiola.

The Italian agent, who also represents Paul Pogba, is reportedly asking for a fee of up to €10m (£8.7m) which Barcelona are reticent to pay.

Source: Metro

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