Paris Saint-Germain new favourites for Ajax captain De Ligt

Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as the new frontrunners for Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt, claims ESPN.

De Ligt, 19, has emerged as the most sought after young defender in Europe this season after captaining Ajax to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.

Barcelona were expected to wrap up a deal for the Netherlands international at the end of the campaign but now fear they will miss out on the teenager.

Manchester United were considered the favourites for De Ligt at the end of last month but it has now emerged PSG are at the front of the chasing pack.

PSG are set to reappoint Leonardo as the club’s sporting director to replace Antero Henrique and the 49-year-old has kept in close contact with De Ligt’s camp.

However, PSG will remember they were the favourites to sign Frankie de Jong at the start of the year only for Barcelona to sign the highly rated Dutchman.

De Ligt finished the 2018/19 campaign in the WhoScored Team of the Season for both the Champions League and the Eredivisie.