Mario Melchiot urges Liverpool to sign Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt

Former Ajax defender Mario Melchiot has urged Liverpool to sign Matthijs de Ligt this summer.

De Ligt has emerged as one of Europe's most coveted players during a memorable campaign which has seen him lead Ajax to the top of the Eredivisie and the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Barcelona are understood to be leading the race for the 19-year-old's signature having also agreed a deal to take Frenkie de Jong from the Dutch outfit, but a number of other European giants are also interested.

Melchiot believes that Liverpool should move for the Dutch international as he would be a perfect partner for compatriot Virgil van Dijk.

"My boys at Ajax are of course going to try and hold onto him for as long as they can, but they know they're coming into a difficult situation with De Ligt. I like him as a player, he's very smart," Melchiot told talkSPORT.

"He went through a very difficult spell when he first broke through because he made a couple of mistakes for the national team so the country was jumping on his back. But I think that shifted his mindset and made him an even better player.

"Now, the way he's playing right now, I think if Liverpool were smart they'll go after him. De Ligt and Van Dijk, those two together would be a great partnership."

De Ligt could meet Liverpool in the final of this season's Champions League should the two clubs win their respective semi-finals.