Barcelona have reportedly won the race to sign highly-rated Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutchman has made a name for himself on the international stage after a string of superb performances alongside Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.
This continued on Friday when the pair thwarted France’s star-studded attack on the way towards a memorable 2-0 win over the world champions.
De Ligt’s cohesion with Van Dijk has inevitably fuelled links to Liverpool, although it appears his future now lies in Spain.
Barcelona believe they have secured De Ligt’s services as they seek to find a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique, according to the Mirror’s Steve Bates.
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Van Dijk recently claimed De Ligt would be on Liverpool’s radar and that he would be happy to offer the Reds advice were they intent on pursuing him.
He told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: “He will be on the list, because they have enough scouts at the club. If they need my opinion at Liverpool, I’ll give it.”
At just 19-years-old, De Ligt boasts a glowing reputation as one of Europe’s top defensive prospects – as reflected by his reported £60million valuation.
Nonetheless, Liverpool flaunt a youthful talent and long-term partner for Van Dijk of their own in Joe Gomez.
The Englishman has produced a formidable start to the season on Merseyside after finally undergoing his transition into a full-time centre-back role. It’s for the 21-year-old’s sparkling form and potential that Jurgen Klopp need not worry about addressing his defensive ranks at this moment in time.