Manchester United 'very close' to signing Eredivisie defender

Manchester United are deemed to be close to securing the signature of defender Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax after proposing a better package compared to Barcelona.

The Netherlands international has been heavily touted to join the Blaugrana this summer but it seems that they have not been able to offer a financial package suitable to lure him to the Camp Nou.

Amidst this, the Red Devils are said to have made an approach of this own and according to Spanish outlet RAC1, they are apparently on the cusp of signing the Ajax skipper.

United's defence was largely at fault for the team's average performance during the recent Premier League campaign as they conceded 54 goals over the course of the season.

The poor defensive showing has meant that they have only been guaranteed with Europa League football next term, but that has, however, not hampered their prospects of luring top-class recruits to Old Trafford this summer.