Manchester United and Liverpool target Matthijs De Ligt looks certain to move this summer, according to the latest reports from the Netherlands.
But the Ajax defender is not set for a move to the Premier League, despite having been linked with United, Liverpool and Arsenal , among other top clubs including Juventus.
Instead, it is Barcelona who are close to signing the £75m teenager - because of a special deal between the boardrooms at the Nou Camp and the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The head of sports at Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Valentijn Driessen, says there is no doubt where the cultured centre-back is headed, saying "It's clear that De Ligt will leave Ajax for Barca," in quotes reported by Sport.
Driessen said at the start of last week the two clubs came close to an agreement over the player, who has impressed in the Champions League this season.
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He said: "Ajax left it clear to Barcelona that they don't have to pay extra for Matthijs, unlike for other clubs."
This is because of a growing relationship between the two clubs which they see as mutually beneficial moving forward.
The news is a blow to Manchester United , who need to bolster their defence as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bids to turn them into genuine title contenders.
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Liverpool, meanwhile, could have united De Ligt with his compatriot Virgil van Dijk at the heart of an already impressive defence.
Instead, Ajax are set to respect the decision of the player and his agent Mino Raiola, which it is believed is to follow the footsteps of his friend and team-mate Frenkie de Jong to Barca.
Having allowed de Jong to go to Barca over PSG and Manchester City , the two clubs discussed the possibility of a partnership moving forward.
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It has been suggested by previous reports that Barcelona would be given first refusal over young Ajax stars.
Ajax would also likely be offered the opportunity to take Barca's fringe players on loan to aid their development.
The two clubs are believed to have a strong relationship in the boardroom with Ajax happy to negotiate transfers for their players if their price tag is met, allowing them to progress in their careers.
