Tottenham are preparing a bumper offer for Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The Sun says Spurs are lining up a £45million swoop for Dutch teen sensation de Ligt.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino sees the Ajax centre-back, 18, as the long-term replacement for Chelsea target Toby Alderweireld, who is set to quit the North Londoners this summer.

De Ligt is the hottest young defensive prospect in European football.

Despite his tender years, he has already played more than 50 times for the Amsterdam giants.

He won his fifth cap for the Netherlands senior team in last month's 1-0 friendly defeat at home to England.

Arsenal and Barcelona scouts have both watched De Ligt in action in recent months – although Barca's interest has now cooled.