Barcelona are fearful Matthijs de Ligt could snub a move to the Nou Camp with reports suggesting Manchester United have increased their offer for the Ajax star.
The Spanish champions had been favourites to secure the signing of one of world football’s most in-demand players, with the 19-year-old having excelled in the Dutch side’s run to the Champions League semi-finals.
According to Spanish publication SPORT, United have increased their offer in an attempt to persuade the defender that his future lies at Old Trafford, offering De Ligt a deal worth a reported €14 million-a-year (£240,000-a-week).
The offer has caused concern amongst officials at Barca, with the deal to take the centre-back to Spain having stalled.
De Ligt is believed to want a move to the Catalan club, however his representatives are thought to have asked for an increase on previously agreed terms following his successful season.
Barca believe their original offer, sent in April, is fair and there are now fears United could hijack the deal.
Meanwhile, Marca journalist Chris Winterburn claims that Manchester United are using their connections to Edwin van der Sar to help broker a deal, with their former goalkeeper now the CEO at the Dutch club.
De Ligt could of course still follow Ajax teammate Frenkie De Jong from the Dutch champions to La Liga, with the midfielder’s transfer having been agreed in January.
Re: De Ligt. Believe Manchester United leaning heavily on relationship with Edwin van der Sar. Interest remains there but Barcelona still likely to get the deal done. United just exploring if it’s possible to jump in. Remember a lot of similar stuff with Frenkie and PSG.
— Chris Winterburn (@cmwinterburn) May 23, 2019