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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Joe Rimmer & Aidan McCartney

This is what Matthijs de Ligt has said about potential Barcelona move as Liverpool links continue

Matthijs de Ligt has again spoken out about his future at Ajax as transfer speculation picks up.

The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to Barcelona with the La Liga champions currently favourites for his signature.

Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong will move to the Nou Camp in a £67million deal this summer and de Ligt could make the same move.

However the player has now revealed that he yet to agree a deal with Barca, leading to increased speculation that Liverpool and other Premier League clubs could look to enter the race for his signature.

The Ajax captain helped his side win their first league title in five years with a 4-1 victory over De Graafschap on Wednesday night.

For all the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours click HERE

Speaking to Fox Sport after the title triumph, De Ligt insisted he needs more time to decide his future.

He said: "This is not the time to talk about my future.

"I don't know if I will go with Frenkie de Jong [to Barcelona]. I still have to analyse things and see everything. We'll see what happens.

"I cannot say anything. We'll see at the end of summer. There is nothing yet."

Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Champions League semifinal second leg (AP)

Spanish reports had earlier claimed that Barcelona were in talks with De Ligt's agent Mino Raiola as they look to agree a deal.

On winning his season with Ajax, De Ligt added: "It is indescribable. We have been craving this for five years.

"I enjoyed the cup, the competition, the Champions League and especially the team spirit."

Liverpool are unlikely to spend big money in the summer transfer market, making a move for De Ligt seem unlikely due to the fee he is likely to command.

The other Ajax star Liverpool should target - and why he's perfect competition for Salah and Mane 

The ECHO understands that Liverpool won't be spending huge amounts in the upcoming transfer window, with Reds boss Klopp more than happy with the bulk of a squad that is in contention to win the Champions League.

The Reds will be in the market to fine tune ahead of the new season, but a relatively modest outlay is anticipated after paying out close to £250m since January 2018.

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