Barcelona have reportedly identified Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt as their number one transfer target for next summer.

De Ligt has enjoyed a burgeoning reputation in European football, having established himself as a first-team regular for both Ajax and the Netherlands at the age of just 18.

The youngster was linked with a move to the Premier League during the summer, but TV3 reports that Barcelona have now entered the race for his signature.

Barca have struggled defensively so far this season and are understood to have earmarked De Ligt as a long-term successor to Gerard Pique at the back.

However, the Spanish champions could face competition from the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom were credited with an interest in the teenager during the summer.