Tottenham are lining up a move to sign Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claims that Spurs are plotting a £45million raid for the centre-back and that he is seen as a long-term replacement for Toby Alderweireld, who is set to quit in the summer.
It is understood that the 18-year-old is one of the most highly-rated teenagers in world football and Mauricio Pochettino’s side are in pole position to sign him.
The report details that Barcelona have cooled their interest in the ball-playing defender, while rivals Arsenal are keen.
De Ligt is already a mainstay in the Ajax starting XI and his side are second in the Eredivise table.
Good move for Spurs?
De Ligt is regarded as one of the best upcoming talents in the game and would be a brilliant signing for Spurs, especially given the fact they may lost Alderweireld at the end of the season.
The Ajax sensation has made 37 senior appearances in all competitions this campaign and has already had a taste of European football.
Mauricio Pochettino would be the perfect mentor to help the teenager develop and he looks to have all the physical and technical attributes to succeed
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Spurs have a good connection with Ajax and have signed the likes of Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez from the Dutch outfit in recent years.
De Ligt is already being mentioned as a future superstar and it would be no surprise to see him move on soon, and the timing may be perfect with Alderweireld’s tipped exit.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10