Manchester City have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign Ajax teenager Matthijs de Ligt.
The 18-year-old has already become a first-team player for the Dutch giants, making 35 appearances in all competitions this term.
According to The Mirror, Man City are tussling with Arsenal and Bayern Munich for De Ligt, who is believed to have told his agent not to pursue a move to Barcelona due to the fear of being left on the bench.
The report goes on to claim that Ajax have slapped a £50m valuation on the Dutch defender, leading to the Gunners and the Bundesliga champions reconsidering their interest due to the high price.
Man City, Arsenal and Bayern will reportedly be sending scouts to monitor De Ligt at the Amsterdam ArenA on Sunday, when Ajax face champions-elect PSV Eindhoven.
