Barcelona want to sign Ajax midfielder Frankie de Jong and are due to meet with his representatives next week, report AS.
De Jong has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the Eredivisie over the last 12 months and has already been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.
Barcelona are mindful that Sergio Busquets turns 30 this summer and want to secure a long-term replacement for the Spain international sooner rather than later.
Ernesto Valverde’s side have accelerated their interest in De Jong due to the fact he is a target for several Premier League clubs and will sit down with his camp next week to discuss personal terms.
De Jong endured a thoroughly impressive breakthrough campaign for Ajax last season and is valued in the region of €35m (£30.8m).
The Netherlands Under-21 international made 22 league appearances last term, weighing in with an impressive tally of seven assists from central midfield. In fact, only Ismail Azzaoui (8) scored or assisted more Eredivisie goals as a substitute than De Jong (5).
Furthermore, De Jong finished last season with the best pass success rate in the Eredivisie (91.4%).
