Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly lining up a £50 million offer for Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The news comes just one week after Ajax Daily reported interest from Barcelona for the rising star.
de Ligt has been pivotal in defence for Ajax so far this season, and his recent success in the Netherlands side means he is hot property, and being eyed up by one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
He is reportedly the Argentine’s main target as he looks to replace also former Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld.
As rumours spiral about his departure in the summer, de Ligt can’t confirm whether he will stay or leave the Johan Cruyff ArenA at the end of the campaign.
“Whether I can reassure the Ajax fans? No, it is very difficult,” said De Ligt.
“I would like to reassure the supporters, but the football world is strange. I really do not know and I can not say anything about it”
At just 18-years-old de Ligt is another star of the acclaimed Ajax youth academy, and with 5 international appearances to his name already is set to be a star of the future.
Ex Tottenham midfielder Stephen Pienaar has warned de Ligt about the move.
He said,
“De Ligt is still too young for that step,
He has to be patient and keep playing at Ajax for a while longer. At Ajax you play European football every year and when you play at European level, you develop the fastest.”
It appears that the Premier League want to start picking up players developed at Ajax as they look to bring through the next wave of talent.
In recent weeks, Spurs have also confirmed their interest in forward David Neres, whilst Manchester United are one of the many clubs with their eyes on Justin Kluivert.
Tottenham currently have four ex-Ajax players in their squad, Davison Sanchez was the most recent addition by Pochettino, while Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertonghen and previously mentioned Alderweireld have all lined up for Ajax.
It is believed that Spurs have put an offer of around £130,000 a week on the table for the player, but his representatives are asking for closer to £180,000 a week.
Only time will tell if de Ligt is set for London, Ajax fans will certainly be hoping he doesn’t leave just yet.