Barcelona 'keen to tie up Matthijs de Ligt deal'

Barcelona have reportedly stepped up their interest in Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

The 18-year-old broke into the Ajax first team last season, and impressed alongside now Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez as the Dutch club reached the final of the Europa League.

Last month, it was reported that Barcelona were interested in the two-time Netherlands international, and according to Mundo Deportivo, a decision to pursue the teenager next summer has been made by officials at Camp Nou.

De Ligt came through the youth system at Ajax after joining the club at the age of nine, and has already made 15 appearances for the Dutch giants in all competitions during the 2017-18 campaign.

Barcelona reportedly see the youngster as a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique.