Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt is certainly a man in demand among some of European football’s top clubs this summer after his impressive performances for the Dutch giants this season.

He was linked with a move to Spurs earlier in the season (Daily Star), but recent reports seem to indicate that PSG are now front runners after moving ahead of Barcelona and Manchester United in the race to sign the central defender (The Mail)

He played a pivotal role in helping Ajax to a domestic double as well as in their amazing Champions League run which saw him score in the semi-final second leg against Spurs.

The 19-year-old has now named Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen as a player he looked up to when coming through the ranks and said that he remains a fan of the former Ajax captain.

De Ligt, who like Vertonghen came through the Ajax academy and was given the captain’s armband at a young age, told Life After Football: “The defender I looked up to the most was Jan Vertonghen.

“At Ajax, he was number four and captain. I was a big fan of Jan Vertonghen. I still am. I think he was my biggest role model.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The fact that De Ligt idolised Vertonghen would have likely meant that he has followed his career at Spurs, which could bode well for the club’s prospects of signing him.

However, it is clear that Tottenham’s priorities seem to be central midfield and full back, and as such a move for De Ligt is not something the club can likely afford this window – especially considering the demand he finds himself in.

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