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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Rich Jones

Matthijs de Ligt breaks silence amid Barcelona and PSG transfer war

Matthijs De Ligt is making headlines off the pitch at the moment with his future still unclear.

Reports suggest the Dutch centre-back will make a choice between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain with Manchester United set to miss out on his signature.

But there were some signs of the transfer speculation affecting the 19-year-old as he made a crucial error in Holland's Nations League clash with England.

He fouled Marcus Rashford to give away a penalty but spared his blushes by heading in the equaliser as the Dutch went on to win 3-1 in extra-time.

De Ligt spoke to the press after the game and admitted his foul on Rashford was "very silly" and left him determined to make amends.

De Ligt gave away a penalty when he fouled Marcus Rashford (REUTERS)

De Ligt said: "The penalty action was very silly and I know it very well.

"I received a ball from De Roon and my intention was to play the ball with Cillessen, but I was late, it was very stupid, because I should not have sent the ball to the goalkeeper.

"I'm very demanding with myself and I had to compensate that error."

De Ligt is expected to make a decision regarding his future next week, once the Nations League finals are completed.

His national team boss, Ronald Koeman, urged him to go to a club where he will play regularly when asked about his future before the game.

The centre-back responded by heading in the equaliser as Holland went on to win 3-1 (REUTERS)

"I spoke to Matthijs one week ago about his future and that's secret," he said.

"What I told all the young players who may be thinking about making a step, is that the most important thing is to keep playing.

"Keep getting minutes to develop your football, that's the most important thing and the way the club is playing is also a really important reason to make your choice.

"He and his family, his agents and the people around him will make the best decision for him."

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