Barcelona have big fears of missing out on Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer.

Barca have been in talks with the De Ligt camp for much of the season and there has been a confidence they would welcome him this summer.

However, Mundo Deportivo says the Catalans have been rattled by fresh developments arriving via intermediaries.

Liverpool are now emerging as favourites for De Ligt's signature.

The presence of Virgil van Dijk and the manner of Liverpool's stunning Champions League win over Barca last week has turned De Ligt's head.

And the Reds have the spending power to outbid Barca for the €85m-rated Ajax captain.

After victory over FC Utrecht on Sunday, De Ligt said: "Of course you never know. I can now announce that I am staying or leaving, but there is nothing to be done. I am very honest about that. There is talk, but nothing concrete. I'm still here with Ajax."