Coveted Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has admitted a summer switch to Serie A champions Juventus “could happen”, although his future remains in the hands of agent Mino Raiola.

De Ligt, 19, has been linked to the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Manchester City throughout an outstanding 2018/19 as he prepares to imminently depart Johan Cruyff Arena.

The most intense reports see the Netherlands international – who is always careful to play down speculation – joining club-mate Frenkie de Jong at Camp Nou. An admiration for stars Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, however, could yet see him transfer to the Old Lady.

“[A move to Juventus] could happen, but there are others who are also interested,” De Ligt told Tuttosport.

“We’ll see at the right time. At the moment I’m fully focused on Ajax and my agent [Mino] Raiola is taking care of the rest.

“Also, [Frenkie] de Jong hasn’t spoken to me about a move to Barcelona.

“I really admire [Giorgio] Chiellini, he’s a very strong centre-back and one of the best ever. I also appreciate [Leonardo] Bonucci.

“They are two of the best centre-backs in Europe and two examples to follow for a young player like me.”

De Ligt has played 121 times for Ajax, scoring on 11 occasions.

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