Matthijs de Ligt has been told to “choose Pep Guardiola over Lionel Messi”, with Louis van Gaal advising the Ajax defender to opt for a move to Manchester City rather than one to Barcelona.
The 19-year-old centre-half has several options to consider heading towards the summer transfer window.
A move to Camp Nou, allowing him to follow in the footsteps of Frenkie de Jong, has been mooted for some time.
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Barca are not the only title holders thought to be keen, though, with City and Juventus eager on adding a Golden Boy winner to their ranks in the Premier League and Serie A respectively.