Barcelona close to admitting defeat in Matthijs de Ligt race?

Barcelona are ready to give up on signing in-demand Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to a report.

The Netherlands international has been linked with a number of big-name clubs over the past few months following an impressive campaign.

De Ligt has been touted as a target for the likes of Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Manchester United, but Barca have been considered the favourites to sign him for a while.

Spanish outlet Sport suggests that Barca have been restricted financially in terms of who they can sign, however, meaning that they are unable to match the offers being readied by Juve and PSG.

French champions PSG are rumoured to be willing to offer De Ligt a long-term deal worth £11m a year and talks with his agent Mino Raiola are ongoing.

De Ligt has made 77 appearances for Ajax since emerging through their academy setup three years ago.