Eredivisie

There's nothing to announce De Ligt dismisses Barca talk

The Ajax captain refused to be drawn on speculation linking him with a move to Camp Nou

Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt said "there is nothing to announce" following speculation linking him with reigning La Liga champions Barcelona.

De Ligt who is certain to leave Ajax at the end of the season according to head coach Erik ten Hag is one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe, where Barca are among the clubs reportedly interested.

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu refused to rule out a move for the 19-year-old Netherlands international in an interview during the week.

After scoring the winning goal as Ajax shocked Juventus 2-1 on Tuesday to reach the Champions League semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate, De Ligt was tight-lipped on his future.

Asked when he would announce his transfer to Barca, De Ligt replied: "Announce? There is nothing to announce."

When the reporter pushed him further, a smiling De Ligt said: "We're in the semi-finals of the Champions League and we're first in the league. That's enough to play for."

The teenage centre-back's midfield team-mate and international compatriot Frenkie de Jong, 21, has already agreed a move to Barcelona at the end of the season, and De Ligt is widely expected to follow in his footsteps.

The Eredivisie side have proven their worth against a clutch of top teams in Europe so far, playing some scintillating football along the way.

They recorded two entertaining draws with Bayern Munich in the group stages and knocked reigning champions Real Madrid out in the last 16 before their recent triumph in Italy.

De Ligt and Ajax will face either Tottenham or Premier League holders Manchester City in the semi-finals of the competition as they bid to reach the final in Madrid, where a meeting with Barcelona is distinctly possible.

The Catalan giants eased past Manchester United 3-0 at home to record a 4-0 aggregate victory and earn themselves a spot in the last four, where they will face either Porto or Liverpool. The Reds hold a 2-0 advantage from the first leg and are widely expected to advance.

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