Real Madrid are reportedly ready to pay €80 million (£72 million) in order to land Ajax starlet Frenkie de Jong.
According to De Telegraaf, the European champions are admirers of the Netherlands international, although they are likely to face competition from Manchester United and a number of Europe’s elite for the playmaker.
The Red Devils have allegedly already sent scouts to Ajax matches this term to run the rule over De Jong, while city rivals Manchester City are also said to have entered the race for the coveted midfielder.
According to Britain’s Daily Telegraph, Tottenham and Barcelona have also shown an interest in the impressive 21-year-old.
De Jong was said to be close to a move to a Barca this summer, but turned down the move in order to help Ajax ensure Champions League progression.
The Blaugrana had a €30 million bid for the player rejected, per Goal’s Ignasi Oliva Gispert.
De Jong recently told Ziggo Sport of his intention to one day play alongside Lionel Messi:
“If you end up in a club of a higher level, you will play with world-class players anyway. But I would really like to play with Messi someday,” he said.
“We were on vacation in Spain and my grandfather bought me Messi’s shirt with the 30, his shirt number then. My grandfather knew that I liked Messi and I wore that shirt all the time. Of course I would like to play with him. He’s already 31, so I have to hurry up.”
