Manchester City have reportedly conceded defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their attempt to sign Frenkie de Jong from Ajax.
The Netherlands international is one of the most in-demand players on the continent after starring for Ajax across his three seasons in the first team.
Pep Guardiola is believed to have made De Jong a priority signing to eventually succeed holding midfielder Fernandinho, but Metro suggests that City have all but given up hope of landing him.
PSG are said to have gazumped the Citizens' offer for the 21-year-old, offering the youngster wages of close to £200,000 a week and handing over more than £50m to Ajax to push a deal through.
De Jong is also thought to have been a target for Barcelona, who sent director of football Eric Abidal to Amsterdam to personally meet the Dutchman.