Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt 'turns down Barcelona move'

Barcelona have reportedly failed in their attempt to push through a deal for Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The 19-year-old has been linked with a number of top European clubs since the start of 2019 after starring for Ajax throughout this campaign.

Barcelona were long considered to be the frontrunners for the Netherlands international before Paris Saint-Germain allegedly showed a willingness to hand the centre-back a more lucrative contract.

According to El Larguero, De Ligt has now informed the Catalan giants that he will not be making the switch to Camp Nou this summer.

The report adds that the youngster told president Josep Maria Bartomeu that he would 'respect the decision of his agent Mino Raiola to reject a transfer to Barcelona'.

PSG are now clear favourites to sign De Ligt, unless Juventus opt to make a late move for the player.