Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt is being encouraged to use Manchester United as a stepping stone to Barcelona.

Catalunya Radio says Barcelona were thought to be leading the race but De Ligt, 19, would have to compete against Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti for starts.

And agent Mino Raiola told Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu that the Dutch international would rather get game time now and join the Spanish giants later.

Their report adds that Barca have vowed to pay whatever it takes to secure the centre-back's signature down the line should he move to Old Trafford.

United have put together a big-money bid for De Ligt to rival Barca.

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