An improved contract offer is thought to be on the table for Matthjis de Ligt, with Manchester United confident they can sign the Ajax captain this summer.

Barcelona have long been considered favourites to land the 19-year-old, who led his team to the semi-finals of the Champions League this season.

Though Barça can offer Champions League football next season and an inevitable title challenge, the project is significantly different at Old Trafford.

Oh Captain… 🤤#nummer34 pic.twitter.com/UeSg1Naoa6

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 20, 2019

It was reported that the Red Devils offered De Ligt a contract two weeks ago, worth £12-million per year.

But now Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sanctioned an improved offer for De Ligt, according to the Catalan newspaper Sport, ramping up United’s efforts to make the centre back their marquee defensive signing of the summer.

With Ernesto Valverde reluctant to rock the boat in terms of wage structure at the Camp Nou, Ajax’s prized asset could be heading to the Premier League rather than La Liga – although Juventus are also said to be keen to sign the young Dutchman.