Matthijs de Ligt race 'intensifies after Champions League heroics'

Matthijs de Ligt's stock has reportedly continued to rise after playing a huge part in Ajax's run to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The 19-year-old produced a captain's display in Tuesday's 2-1 win against Juventus, scoring the winning goal at the Allianz Stadium to see his side through 3-2 on aggregate.

Barcelona are rumoured to have been close to wrapping up a deal for the Ajax skipper, but AS suggests that his future is no closer to being resolved as five other clubs could still make an approach.

On top of the interest from Barcelona, De Ligt is also said to be wanted by Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus.

Barca remain the side best placed to land the Netherlands international's signature, it is claimed, but they no longer consider it a certainty.

Madrid may step up their pursuit of De Ligt should Raphael Varane move on at the end of the season.