Barcelona 'no longer leading race for Matthijs de Ligt'

Barcelona are reportedly no longer leading the race to sign Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.

Earlier this week, it was claimed that Barca had beaten Manchester United and Liverpool to the signature of the 19-year-old, who is one of the most in-demand youngsters in world football.

However, according to Sport, the Spanish champions have lost control of the pursuit with a number of European clubs in the hunt to sign the Netherlands international ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.

De Ligt scored seven times and contributed four assists in 55 appearances for Ajax as Erik ten Hag's side landed a league and cup double during the 2018-19 season.

United are reportedly prepared to hand De Ligt a bigger salary than Barca, in addition to paying agent Mino Raiola a higher fee in order to land the teenager.