Manchester City interested in Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt as Pep Guardiola eyes long-term successor for captain Vincent Kompany

  • Matthijs de Ligt has made himself a regular for Ajax at the age of only 18Ā 
  • The central defender has attracted interest from Manchester City for his displays
  • Pep Guardiola wants the teenager as a long-term successor to Vincent Kompany

Manchester City are keeping a close eye on Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt as they weigh up a move for the Dutchman.

Pep Guardiola is looking to sign a long-term replacement for captain Vincent Kompany, and De Ligt fits the bill for the Spaniard.

According to the Guardian, Guardiola is considering how much game time the 18-year-old is likely to get at the Etihad before firming up his interest.Ā 

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Ajax's 18-year-old centre backĀ Matthijs de Ligt

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Ajax's 18-year-old centre backĀ Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt has played 34 matches in all competitions this season, after breaking through in 2016

De Ligt has played 34 matches in all competitions this season, after breaking through in 2016

There are already four centre backs in the City squad, with Kompany joined in the ranks by Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi.Ā 

But with question marks continuously hovering over the Belgian's fitness - Kompany only played in eight of City's final 14 matches this season - it could well be that there is an opportunity to blood in the teenager sooner rather than later.

De Ligt broke into the Ajax team as a 17-year-old and started the Europa League final against Manchester United in 2017.

He made 34 appearances across all competitions last season and has already made his international debut for Holland against Bulgaria during their World Cup qualifying campaign.Ā Ā 

Pep Guardiola is looking for a long-term successor to Vincent Kompany at the backĀ 

Pep Guardiola is looking for a long-term successor to Vincent Kompany at the backĀ 

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