Barcelona's director of football Éric Abidal held talks with Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt in an attempt to woo the Dutch prospect into a move to the Camp Nou, according to reports.
Clubs across Europe have taken notice of the 19-year-old in recent years following his rise through the ranks in Amsterdam, where he is now captain of de Godenzonen.
De Ligt has been tipped to break all previous transfer records for a defender when he eventually moves away from his boyhood club, and teams across the continent are flocking to the youngster in an attempt to secure his signature.