Barcelona are 'DESPERATE' to sign Matthijs De Ligt says expert
The 19-year-old is currently one of the hottest prospects in world football, and has started a transfer tug-of-war between a host of top clubs.
Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool have all been linked to the centre-back in recent weeks, with competition expected to be stiff.
According to reports in Spanish publication Sport, United have offered de Ligt a monster £236,000-per-week contract in a desperate bid to sway him from joining up with Ajax team-mate Frankie de Jong at Barca.
United are believed to be the most financially viable option for de Ligt, as the Catalans are not willing to enter into a wage war.
Barcelona can offer something that United can’t, however - Champions League football.
And Pique implored de Ligt to follow in the footsteps of de Jong and join him in Catalonia.
He told El Pais that he believes the teenage captain would fit in well at Barcelona because the style of football they play is similar.
“They are players who understand our football because we have drunk from the same source, which is [Johan] Cruyff's.
Gerard Pique said Matthijs de Ligt would fit in well at Barcelona (Image: GETTY)
Matthijs de Ligt has stood out for Ajax this year (Image: GETTY)
“Of course, if I were worried about the power plants that have signed since I arrived, I could not sleep for years. It is of the positions in which more has been signed.
“I see it logical and I like the competition.
“I do not know what will happen, but De Ligt has many qualities because of how young he is. And De Jong has a lot of potential and future.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to revamp the United squad this summer after a disappointing sixth finish in the Premier League.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is planning a summer rebuild (Image: GETTY)
Man United have 'good chance' of signing De Ligt says Nicol
And according to reports, de Ligt is keen on becoming the face of the rebuild, and likes the idea of becoming the leading young star.
United are also looking to complete deals for Swansea winger Daniel James, and Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff, both 21 years of age.
Solskjaer is reportedly keen to conclude his transfer business before their upcoming pre-season tour, while de Ligt wants his future set before he joins up with the Netherlands squad for the UEFA Nations League.