Manchester United desperate to sign Champions League semi-finalist?

Manchester United have reportedly earmarked Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt as the ultimate summer signing, though they are likely to lose out on the player's services to Barcelona.

The Netherlands international has been a revelation for Ajax in the past few seasons and he recently scored the winning strike in the Champions League quarter-final tie against Juventus.

According to The Mirror, United board consider de Ligt as the ultimate signing for the forthcoming transfer window but they acknowledge that the Blaugrana are leading the race for the Dutchman's signature.

De Ligt has previously stated that he would prefer to play for Barcelona in the future and reports have indicated that the Spanish giants already have a deal in place with Ajax to pursue the young central defender.

De Ligt, who is currently valued at £70m, has made more than 100 appearances for Ajax since making his debut three years ago. He was part of the team which made the Europa League final in 2017.