Man Utd and Man City on alert after Matthijs de Ligt’s move to Barcelona stalls
United were informed recently the player was heading for Barca when they made an enquiry but that is not a foregone conclusion
MANCHESTER UNITED and City are on alert after Matthijs de Ligt’s move to Barcelona stalled.
The 19-year-old Ajax centre-back — also on Liverpool’s radar — was expected to switch to the Nou Camp this summer.
Yet reports in Spain say the move hit a stumbling block over increased wage demands — and the fee wanted by his agent Mino Raiola.
United were informed recently the player was heading for Barca when they made an enquiry.
Meanwhile Prem champs City are likely to be on the hunt for Vincent Kompany’s replacement after his decision to leave.
A MINO-R PROBLEM
Holland’s chief Ronald Koeman revealed last year City boss Pep Guardiola was a big fan of De Ligt.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants De Ligt to be the force for revival at the heart of United's creaking defence.
He is unlikely to rush the decision over his future and wants to play for Holland in the Nations League before making his decision.
MAN UTD NEWS
Speculation mounted that De Ligt would join Barca after he was spotted in Catalonia on Friday.
But he was with the Ajax squad celebrating their league title win.
Barca have already completed the £65.4million signing of his team-mate Frenkie de Jong.