Tottenham Hotspur 'make Matthijs de Ligt decision'

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been forced to admit defeat in their hopes of signing Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt in this summer's transfer window.

De Ligt, who has captained Ajax to the semi-finals of this season's Champions League, is viewed as one of the best young central defenders in world football.

The 19-year-old has scored five times in 48 appearances for Ajax this season, while he has made 110 appearances for the Dutch giants since debuting in 2016.

According to the Daily Star, Tottenham have followed the Dutchman 'for over a year', but have now accepted that that he is likely to join Barcelona ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have also reportedly taken a similar stance when it comes to the teenager.