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What's the story?
La Liga giants Real Madrid have reportedly entered the race for the signature of 19-year-old Ajax captain and Dutch international centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, also a top Barcelona target. According to Catalan media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Los Blancos have considered a move for the talented youngster as captain Sergio Ramos has expressed interest in moving to China after a reported falling out with club President Florentino Perez.
In case you didn't know...
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Matthijs de Ligt captained the Ajax team that had a dream run in this season's Champions League, reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 1996-97. The youngster also led the young squad, composed of up-and-coming potential superstars like winger David Neres and Hakim Ziyech and Barcelona bound Frenkie de Jong, to the domestic double in Holland.
The 19-year-old has also formed a formidable partnership with Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the Netherlands national team's defence and were key to the Oranje qualifying for the UEFA Nations League semi-finals where they take on England in June.
The heart of the matter
Manchester United and Barcelona have been front runners so far for the signature of the coveted young defender with Ajax looking for a sum in the range of £70-£90 million. De Ligt is managed by super-agent Mino Raiola who is known for demanding a high fee as his commission, something Barcelona is not keen on while United and Real Madrid are willing to comply.
What's next?
Matthijs de Ligt is part of the Netherlands squad set to face England in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on 7th June.
Real Madrid head to the USA next for the International Champions Cup, a pre-season friendly tournament. They take on German champions Bayern Munich in their tournament opener, slated for 21st July.
