Mino Raiola has helped Juventus out in the past – namely with Paul Pogba – and he could be set to do so again.

Reports in the Italian media suggest that the super agent is ramping up negotiations between Ajax and Juve for the transfer of Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt.

Raiola is due to meet Bianconeri sporting director Fabio Paratici to discuss a move in further detail.

A classy, ball-playing defender who is still only 19, Barca have long been linked with De Ligt as well as Ajax team-mate Frenkie De Jong – but must act fast to woo both the teenager and Raiola.

Juve have back-up options to target in Atletico Madrid’s Stefan Savic and Sampdoria’s Joachim Andersen, but the club have been laying the groundwork for De Ligt’s arrival for a while, as it is understood that he has accepted an invite to view their facilities.

The continued interest from several clubs, including from the Premier League, is likely to play into Ajax’s hands as they are demanding a fee north of €50 million.