The Catalan club is supposedly close to making the Dutch defender its second acquisition from Ajax this year.

La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly closing in on the signing of Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt. The 19-year-old Dutch centre back has been heavily link with a move to Camp Nou in recent times and a supposed move is seemingly near completion.

Barcelona is just one among a host of suitors for the Ajax skipper who has rapidly rose to prominence despite his young age. Just a fortnight ago, the teenage star led his team to s stunning Champions League semi final qualification at the expense of Juventus via a 3-2 aggregate win.

Initially, speculations indicated that de Ligt favored a move to Turin in order to play alongside the likes of Leonardo Bonucci as well as Giorgio Chiellini. However, ESPN claims that Barca has emerged front-runners in the race for the defender's signature.

The report states that the Catalans have the situation "under control", and are optimistic that the situation will not turn out like the disappointing episode with Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, as well as Juventus are apparently monitoring de Ligt's situation at Ajax and could table respective offers soon. Nonetheless, does not expect the teenage star to enter negotiations with any other club.