Transfer Centre

Juventus 'trying to convince Matthijs de Ligt to join them'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 21 December 2018

Juve 'trying to convince De Ligt to join'

Juventus have reportedly made one last attempt to persuade Ajax youngster Matthijs de Ligt to join them instead of Spanish champions Barcelona.

Juventus are pushing hard to beat Barcelona to the signing of Ajax youngster Matthijs de Ligt, according to a report.

The 2018 Golden Boy winner, along with teammate Frenkie de Jong, are the two most sought-after players on the continent ahead of the January transfer window.

Ajax are reluctant to sell any of their players early in the New Year, but bids of £66m and £57m should be enough to secure the signing of De Jong and De Ligt respectively in time for next season.

Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to have shown an interest in De Ligt, but Barcelona are leading the way after sending director Eric Abidal to meet with the Dutch defender.

Sport claims that Juventus have made one last attempt to persuade the 19-year-old to join them instead, however, by ensuring that Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli were all sitting near him at an awards ceremony last week.

Juve are said to be willing to go as high as £68m for De Jong if a bidding war ensues, while Moise Kean could also be offered in exchange.