The Matthijs de Ligt transfer saga has taken another dramatic twist.
Last night, it was claimed that Manchester United were 'very close' to signing De Ligt.
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They reportedly launched a £70 million bid for the talented defender with a reliable Spanish journalist claiming a move to United was nearing completion.
However, according to Sky Sports, United have ruled out a move for the Ajax starlet.
The report also claims the club believe he's set to join Barcelona, who have also been strongly linked with his services.
Barcelona, though, will have to fend off competition from Manchester City who have reignited their interest in him.
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The Premier League champions want the 19-year-old to replace Vincent Kompany, who has left the club after 11 trophy-laden seasons.
Former City midfielder Dietmar Hamann has urged City to snap up De Ligt to fill Kompany's void.
"It's incredible to think that City spent more than £150m on Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte and not one of them has been the player Vincent Kompany is - and he cost around £8m," he said.
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"City have got a huge hole to fill after Kompany's exit and to my mind there's only one candidate - Matthijs de Ligt.
"There are those who say he is too young but I don't buy into that. Sometimes you just come across a freak and that's what De Ligt is - a 19-year-old who is built like a 25-year-old and plays like a 30-year-old.
"He has led Ajax into some of football's cauldrons this season and is an absolute born leader. He is the man who can carry Kompany's baton forward."
De Ligt helped Ajax win the domestic double as he enjoyed a phenomenal campaign.
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Where will he be plying his trade next season? Let us know where you think.
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Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Transfer, Football, Manchester United, Barcelona, Premier League, De Ligt, Ajax
