The Dutch centre back is attracting more and more attention with his imperious performances at the heart of the Ajax and Netherlands defence.

He absolutely bossed a revered Real Madrid attack and played a massive role in his club upsetting the reigning European champions.

There could be an almighty battle for the 19-year-old’s signature on the cards come the summer as Europe’s superpowers circle.

There has been reported interest from just about every corner of Europe so far and if Ajax can get a bidding war going, they could make a pretty penny off of the youngster.

Barcelona are reported to be ahead of the pack when it comes to securing de Ligt at the moment, but you can be sure there will be other clubs throwing their name into the hat.

While Victor Lindelof has steadily been getting better and better, there is no questioning that he needs a solid partner to slot in alongside him.

Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes De Ligt is just the man for the job and would be an incredible signing for newly appointed manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Speaking in an interview with Betfair, Berbatov was quick to point out that it would be extremely difficult to sign the youngster but did point out rather bizarrely, that United might just have an advantage over other European clubs in the race.

That advantage? Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.

“One player I would love to see at Old Trafford is Ajax defender, Matthijs de Ligt, although I know every big club in Europe is after him,” he told Betfair, cited in the Daily Mail.

“I watched him play against Real Madrid and he looks the real deal – so confident and assured for a player of his age.

“Having his international team-mate Virgil Van Dijk already in the Premier League could be a boost for any English team chasing de Ligt.

“The Liverpool man will be telling him how good the league is and that can make a real difference to where you choose to go.”

We are not entirely sure that’s how it works Dimitar but it’s a nice sentiment.

You can be absolutely certain that if Van Dijk is whispering in De Ligt’s ear, he will be waxing lyrical about Jurgen Klopp and Anfield, and not encouraging a move to Manchester in any way.