As Bayern's interest cools, Barça have a free run at signing De Ligt

The transfer of Matthijs de Ligt to FC Barcelona is taking large strides forward. Barça haven't hidden their optimism about getting the move over the line and the latest news is that Bayern have cooled their interest in De Ligt, instead preferring to sign his teammate Hakim Ziyech instead. Unless Juventus make a late move it appears Barça have a free run at securing the defender's signature.

Both Ajax and De Ligt have received official offers from the Spanish giants and the idea is to tie up the transfer before other parties show their hands. The offer on the table is less than what was agreed for De Jong, but the contract is exactly the same as the midfielder's.

The pressure has been put on De Ligt - and his agent, Mino Raiola - to agree to the terms being offered. However the famous agent was keen to downplay the need to hurry up proceedings as they had an even bigger contract on the table from Bayern Munich. Barça told Ajax they wouldn't be upping their offer and won't be drawn into a bidding war for the centre back. Due to the good relationship between the sides, Ajax are willing to let the player decide.

Barça remain hopeful that they'll receive a phonecall confirming that De Ligt has agreed to join them. The plan, as it stands, is to have the transfer wrapped up before Ajax face Juventus in the quarter finals of the Champions League. However Barça are aware de Ligt will wait and see if any more offers appear before he's forced into making a decision.

The centre back is happy to challenge for a starting spot at Barça, despite how complicated that may be, but the rise of Lenglet is proof it is possible. Barça see De Light as an option both for the future as well as the present and are confident he could get a regular set of minutes under his belt in his first season in Spain.