Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt appears to be on the cusp of a move to Barcelona.

While the news is yet to be officially confirmed, we reported HERE that a deal between the two parties is edging ever closer.

It will come as a big blow to English clubs, most notably Manchester United who are in desperate need of a world-class centre-back - and probably a few more as well.

Manchester City have been linked with the 19-year-old, as have Liverpool, but it is thought that Jurgen Klopp is not keen on the move as he is happy with the centre-back options at his disposal.

The Reds possess probably the finest defender in world football right now in Virgil van Dijk, while Joel Matip has come on in leaps and bounds in 2018/19.

Then you have Joe Gomez, who was in the form of his life prior to his unfortunate leg break against Burnley.

The Englishman is seen as one of football's future stars, but Liverpool legend Steve Nicol is not convinced.

In fact, he believes Gomez will not improve any more and that the Reds should instead splash the cash on De Ligt to pair him with Van Dijk.

"I’ll tell you what, De Ligt and Van Dijk at any club would be arguably the best centre-back pairing in world football, no question," Nicol told ESPN.

“And absolutely Liverpool need to try and get somebody beside Van Dijk who is in his stratosphere.

“The thing is though, Gomez before he got injured was doing an excellent job but I’m not sure that he is going to get any better than he already is to be honest with you.

“So I think it would serve Liverpool well to go and get somebody beside Van Dijk who is tried and trusted.”

A bold statement from Nicol.

Do you think spending over £60m on De Ligt would be better than nurturing Gomez? Have your say in the comment box below.