Barcelona’s vice-president Jordi Mestre has played down talks of a deal for Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt being close to completion.
A host of clubs have been attributed with an interest in the Netherlands international, including Liverpool , Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City, but recent speculation had suggested the race was nearing an end.
The 19-year-old Ajax captain has attracted plaudits across the continent following a sensational campaign with the Eredivisie title-chasers, which has also seen them reach the Champions League semi-finals and secure 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg.
Matthijs de Ligt told to join Liverpool by Ajax coach - READ MORE
According to the reports, Barcelona were closing in on De Ligt’s signature and the teenager would follow teammate Frenkie De Jong to Catalonia this summer but Mestre has suggested that is not the case, revealing a move for a new defender may not be a priority.
"I don't know why they're saying this because [De Ligt] hasn't signed," he told Sky, via Marca .
"[Gerard] Pique is evidently one of the best central defenders in the world, if not the best.
Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt discusses own price tag amid Liverpool transfer speculation
"After him, we have players like [Clement] Lenglet, [Samuel] Umtiti and we've signed a very young player in [Jean-Clair] Todibo.
“The defenders we already have are of the highest level.
"In De Ligt's case, we'll speak with the sporting director at the end of the season and we'll speak not about De Ligt, but about what they say."
