Dimitar Berbatov has urged Manchester United to sign Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The 19-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising players, impressing in Ajax’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals, and is believed to be attracting the attention of several of Europe’s leading clubs.
Berbatov, who scored 56 goals in a four-year spell at Old Trafford, believes his former side should target de Ligt this summer.
‘One player I would love to see at Old Trafford is Ajax defender, Matthijs de Ligt, although I know every big club in Europe is after him,’ Berbatov told Betfair.
‘I watched him play against Real Madrid and he looks the real deal – so confident and assured for a player of his age.
Berbatov believes the influence of Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk could persuade de Ligt to move to the Premier League, with the duo forming a defensive partnership for the Dutch national team.
‘Having his international team-mate Virgil Van Dijk already in the Premier League could be a boost for any English team chasing de Ligt,” he added.
‘The Liverpool man will be telling him how good the league is and that can make a real difference to where you choose to go.’
