Highly-rated Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt says he does not know where his future lies amid reported interest from Manchester United.

The 19-year-old, a star performer in Ajax’s run to the semi-finals of this season’s Champions League, has been linked with Barcelona, who have already signed midfielder Frenkie De Jong from the Amsterdam club.

United are reported to be challenging Barca for De Ligt’s signature, but the player himself gave very little away on Sunday.

De Ligt, right, in action for Ajax against United in the 2017 Europa League final
De Ligt, right, in action for Ajax against United in the 2017 Europa League final (Nick Potts/PA)

“Well, the Premier League is a big competition, Spain also,” he told ESPN FC.

“But you have other competitions, it’s not (just) about those two. I still don’t know anything about where my future is, so I see how it goes.”

De Ligt is coveted the world over but the powers that be at United have long expected Barcelona to sign the defender, Press Association Sport understands.

De Ligt, who started against United in the Europa League final two years ago, has long been tracked by the Old Trafford giants, but the feeling around the club is he will be heading to the Nou Camp.

United are understood to be keen to sign a centre-back this summer, while the likes of Swansea’s Daniel James and Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff are on their radar.