Former Barcelona star Ronald de Boer says Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt needs to think carefully about a move to the Nou Camp.

Barca are chasing the 18 year-old defender for the summer market and while De Boer says De Ligt is good enough to make the move, he warns the youngster must be wary that his development could stall.

"He plays a bit in the same way as how Barcelona plays. With a lot of space at the back, but he can also play football and is not afraid to dribble. I think he fits perfectly with Barcelona," said De Boer.

"If (Gerard) Piqué can continue for another year, he should definitely stay with Ajax for another year. He has to make working hours, he has to keep playing.

"You wonder if he can still learn something at Ajax, I think so. If you just played 34 matches, are captain and there in every game, you always learn something."