Manchester United are considering a move for Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to the Times.

The Red Devils are in the market for a centre-back, with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly having been the most heavily linked, but the Dutchman is also being looked at.

De Ligt, who is also reportedly a target for Manchester City and Barcelona, is one of Europe’s most promising young defenders and United chief executive Ed Woodward is believed to be ready to sanction a move for the 19-year-old.

The Manchester club would be prepared to pay as much as £52m for the Netherlands international, although Ajax are said to be holding out for closer to £60m.

De Ligt has had a rapid rise to prominence since making his senior debut just over two years ago. He made a name for himself in his debut season by helping Ajax to the Europa League final where they lost to United.

Since then, he has become a regular for both club and country despite only still being a teenager.