Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt has rejected the chance to move to Manchester United, according to reports in the English media.

The Dutchman, who has also been heavily linked with Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, is said to have rejected £13m a year contract with United.

De Ligt would have earned £250,000 a week over five years, but the defender has set his sights on a move to Spain instead.

Either Barcelona or Real Madrid would be his preferred next club, with the centre-back aiming his sights high to become one of the best defenders in the world.

De Ligt is currently captain of Ajax at just 19 years of age and has helped guide the Eredivisie side to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

They are favourites to reach the final after winning the first leg against Tottenham last week. The return fixture at the Johan Cruyff Arena will take place tomorrow evening.