Manchester United, Liverpool 'suffer blow as Matthijs de Ligt chooses Barcelona'

Manchester United and Liverpool will both reportedly miss out on the signing of Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt this summer as the centre-back nears a switch to Barcelona.

De Ligt's future has been the subject of much speculation over the last few months.

Barca have long been linked with a move for the 19-year-old, although it has recently been suggested that both United and Liverpool had been given encouragement in their individual pursuits.

According to Sky Sports News, though, De Ligt is now nearing a move to Camp Nou, where he will look to build on the success that he has enjoyed with Ajax this term.

Indeed, the Netherlands international helped Erik ten Hag's side land a league and cup double during the 2018-19 campaign, in addition to reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

De Ligt has scored 13 times in 117 appearances for Ajax in all competitions despite the fact that he will not turn 20 until August.