Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Manchester City.

De Ligt, 18, has already become a first-team player for the Dutch giants, appearing 35 times in all competitions this season.

According to The Mirror, the Premier League giants Manchester City are struggling with Arsenal and Bayern Munich for the teenager, who is said to have told his agent not to pursue a move to Barcelona due to the fear of being left out on the bench.

The report adds that Ajax have tagged a £50m valuation on the Dutchman, leading to the Gunners and the Bavarians reconsidering their interest due to the big amount.

City, Gunners and Bayern will reportedly be sending scouts to keeping an eye on De Ligt at the Amsterdam Arena on Sunday, when Ajax face champions-elect PSV Eindhoven.