Matthijs de Ligt is reportedly set to make a decision on his future in the coming days.
Manchester United remain interested in the Ajax captain, who has enjoyed a sensational campaign.
Barcelona remain in pole position for De Ligt, 19, but their confidence over striking a deal has decreased in recent weeks amid interest from across Europe.
The Telegraph reports United have been told to expect a decision from the Dutchman on his future in the next week.
The teenager is not put off by United's failure to secure Champions League football and would be offered better terms by the Red Devils.
But there are said to be other reasons behind his decision to consider a move to Old Trafford.
It is claimed that De Ligt is attracted by the proposal of being at the heart of the United rebuild, having been in a similar position at Ajax.
He sees the similarities between the two clubs and knows he will be a guaranteed starter at Old Trafford, something which may not be the case at Barcelona.
The La Liga champions hope the opportunity to play for the club will trump any financial offer but it remains to be seen where De Ligt ends up.
It comes after De Ligt has dropped a fresh transfer hint, admitting he has "several options" on the table and he is "excited" about his future.
Speaking to RTL Boulevard, De Ligt said: "I am very excited about what the nearest future may bring me, but I am also calm, I see it as a challenge, that is the most important thing."
"There are several options, what I do is to see which is the best option, it seems logical that one option is better than the other."
