Juventus 'to rival Barcelona for Matthijs de Ligt'

Juventus are reportedly preparing to battle Barcelona for the signature of Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.

Widely regarded as one of the best young centre-backs in European football, De Ligt has already made more than 100 appearances for Ajax despite only turning 19 in August.

Barca continue to be strongly linked with a move for the Netherlands international, but according to Tuttosport, De Ligt is Juve's 'first choice to revitalise their defence'.

The teenager, who has a contract in Amsterdam until the end of the 2020-21 campaign, has scored twice in 25 Eredivisie appearances this term.

Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, have also been credited with an interest in a player who helped his team overcome Real Madrid to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.