Matthijs de Ligt has made quite a name for himself this season.

The imposing central defender has led his exciting Ajax side to the last eight of the Champions League, knocking reigning champions Real Madrid out in the process.

The 19-year-old has also established himself as a first-choice starter in the Dutch national team and has already formed a formidable partnership with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.

It comes as no surprise then, that the youngster is being eyed by just about every top club in Europe as they battle it out to get their hands on one of the continents hottest properties.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Juventus are but a few of the names believed to be circling the Ajax skipper but reports suggest that Barcelona are well out ahead of the pack in the race for his signature.

The Spanish mega-club are 13 points clear at the top of La Liga and the signing of De Ligt would be a real sign of intent that they intend to stay there for many years to come.

It is believed that Catalonia is De Ligt’s preferred destination too and Ajax, who could quite easily start a massive bidding war for their captain, have every intention of honouring his wishes.

Now Dutch media are reporting that a deal is just about cut and dry between the two parties, with super agent Mino Raiola moving swiftly to secure his client’s dream move.

The head of sports at Die Telegraaf, Valentijn Driessen, has no doubts whatsoever as to where De Ligt’s future lies claiming, “It’s clear that De Ligt will leave Ajax for Barca.”

The Barca hierarchy will be absolutely delighted with the signing should it be completed, which looks very likely now.

At just 19, De Ligt is one of the most exciting talents on the planet right now and looks set to dominate European football for years to come.

De Ligt has ‘superstar’ written all over him and at Barca, that’s exactly what he’ll become.