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Matthijs de Ligt drops Juventus transfer hint by liking Cristiano Ronaldo Instagram post
MATTHIJS DE LIGT has appeared to drop a massive hint over his playing future.
Juventus: Matthijs de Ligt ‘clearly’ wants to sign says pundit
The Ajax skipper is currently the most sought after player on the planet following a stellar season at the heart of Ajax’s defence.
A host of Europe’s big boys are chasing the 19-year-old’s signature, including Manchester United.
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a big admirer of the Netherlands international, who played a pivotal role in Ajax reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season, and eager to add him to his squad.
Barcelona and Juventus are also in the race to win De Ligt’s services, though it’s understood the Italian’s are currently the front runners to sign the centre-half.
And De Ligt’s recent Instagram activity has suggested he could very well be playing his football in Turin this season.
On Sunday night, eagle-eyed footy fans noticed the Dutchman liked a recent post from Juve’s record signing, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Many interpreted the youngster’s liking of Ronaldo’s post as a hint he’ll be playing alongside the Portuguese next season.
De Ligt and Ronaldo had a brief conversation with one another after the UEFA Nations League final in June, which Portugal won 1-0.
Matthijs de Ligt liked a recent Instagram post from Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday night, prompting suggestions he could join him at Juventus
The Netherlands stalwart was quickly quizzed about the subject of his chat with Ronaldo and if he asked him to join him at Juve.
He replied by saying: “What I answered? I didn't understand him at first. So I said… no, I didn't say anything."
He later added: “I was a bit shocked, that's why I laughed. But I didn't say anything.
“Just after the game you just feel bad that you've lost, that’s all you're thinking about."
Barcelona were expected to secure De Ligt’s services after signing his fellow countryman and former Ajax team-mate Frankie de Jong.
The Spanish champion’s pursuit of the defender has not yet bore fruit, and their president - Josep Maria Bartomeu - has refused to rule out a fresh move for the coveted player.
He said: “I have known where De Ligt will play [next season] for a long time. I still know but I cannot say anything else."
Ajax’s pre-season preparations get underway today and De Ligt is expected to be present at the Sportpark De Toekomst.