In-demand Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong would reportedly prefer to join Manchester City ahead of Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona.

City boss Pep Guardiola is understood to see De Jong as an ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho, but poured doubt over competing for his signature by saying that the club would not spend big money on a defensive midfielder.

Ajax reportedly want €75m (£66.4m) for the 21-year-old, which is a price that only PSG have so far been willing to meet.

Barcelona are thought to be considering an increased bid too, but The Mirror reports that De Jong's preference would be a switch to Man City in order to play under Guardiola.

However, the Netherlands international is also happy to join PSG and a deal could be completed this month, despite the move not taking place until the summer.