Real Madrid 'join Matthijs de Ligt race'

Real Madrid have reportedly joined Barcelona in the hunt to sign Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.

De Ligt, who is a 13-time Netherlands international, has scored nine times in 95 appearances for Ajax since stepping into the first team.

The 19-year-old is said to be desperate to follow Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona this summer, with the Catalan giants already securing the services of the latter ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

However, according to Don Balon, while Barcelona see De Ligt as a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique, Madrid view the teenager as a player capable of succeeding Sergio Ramos.

De Ligt, who is believed to be valued in excess of £70m by Ajax, has scored three times in 33 appearances in all competitions for his Dutch side this season.