Paris Saint-Germain poised to win race for Manchester United target De Ligt

Paris Saint-Germain are the clear frontrunners in the race to sign Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt, claims Gianluca Di Marzio.

De Ligt is in the middle of a three-way tug-of-war between Barcelona, Manchester United and PSG after emerging as the best young defender in Europe.

The 19-year-old captained Ajax to a domestic double and the semi-finals of the Champions League last season and is now primed to make a high profile move this summer.

Barcelona were expected to wrap up a deal for De Ligt at the end of last season but PSG and United have offered the teenager more money.

United’s are reportedly willing to hand De Ligt a contract worth £350,000-a-week but PSG’s offer to the Netherlands international is worth even more.

De Ligt’s agent, Mino Raiola, has played a blinder this summer and has all three clubs playing off each other to drive the highest price for his client, while Ajax expect to command £70m for the defender.

The Ajax captain revealed he will use his summer holiday to ponder his options but it is now thought he will sign for PSG over United and Barcelona.

De Ligt finished the 2018/19 campaign in the WhoScored Team of the Season in both the Eredivisie and Champions League.