Here are Barcelona's rivals in the battle to land De Ligt
Barça aren't the only side in Europe with their eyes on signing the Dutch defender next summer
FC Barcelona have set the wheels in motion as they look to sign Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax. The centre back has shot to the top of Barça's wishlist for next summer but they're aware it won't be an easy deal to get over the line. De Ligt's enormous potential hasn't gone unnoticed and trail of suitors are lined up ready to make a move.
Aside from Barcelona, Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on the defender. The latter already have de Ligt's former teammate, Davinson Sanchez, on their books. Italian champions Juventus, who always look to possess a strong defensive line, will certainly join the bidding war too.
Jose Mourinho is desperate to improve his defence at United whilst Pochettino sees De Ligt and Sanchez being his long term defensive partnership.
Everyone is waiting to see what both de Ligt and Ajax do regarding the speculation surrounding his future although, at the moment, the defender is fully focused on this season with the Dutch giants.
Ajax are unlikely to sell de Ligt for anything less than €50m.
