Barca’s optimism over de Ligt grows as Bayern cool interest

Barcelona believe their capture of Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt is coming closer with every passing day, according to Sport.

The Catalans have submitted a bid of €60 million to Ajax and a contract for de Ligt’s consideration identical to the one accepted by midfielder Frenkie de Jong, but they haven’t received a reply yet. A claim by the centre-back’s agent Mino Raiola that Bayern Munich had put a bigger offer on the table had them worried as they were in no mood for a bidding war, but it appears the Bavarians have pulled out of the race and chosen to pursue attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech instead.

Barcelona are looking to get the deal done as soon as possible, before other potential suitors enter the fray, but it is believed the 21-year-old defender is waiting to see if Juventus will make a move after the two clubs meet in the Champions League quarterfinals this month.