Manchester United are reportedly refusing to give up in their pursuit of Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.
It appears certain he will move on this summer with Ajax sporting director Edwin van der Sar suggesting De Ligt will be heading for England or Spain.
Barcelona have long been admirers of De Ligt while United are also keen, although Liverpool opted against following up an initial interest.
Reports this week suggested the teenager was heading for the Nou Camp in a big-money deal.
But it has now emerged that United are trying to trump Barca with a stunning offer.
De Ligt's agent Mino Raiola has reportedly demanded a bigger salary for De Ligt and a higher agent's fee to complete the transfer.
That appears the only stumbling block but now United have made a last-ditch ploy to snatch the defender from Barcelona.
The Red Devils, who have made a central defender their No.1 priority this summer, are 'economically more committed' to the deal - and would give Raiola what he wants, reports Catalunya Radio.
It remains to be seen if Barcelona budge on their initial offer, having already snapped up De Ligt's teammate Frenkie de Jong.
The La Liga champions are set for a busy summer with Antoine Griezmann also on their transfer wishlist and do not want to offer extortionate wages.
Stanstanfords7
79
Why is Manchester united going for players they know won't even sign for the club at this moment. These players are playing champions league next season, why would they want to sign for a club that's in Ueropa? Go to Crystal palace, zaha is available, go to Lyon much talent there, go to wolves and get jotta, Bruno Fernandes, Paulo dybala, raligated fulham have Arnautovic a prolific striker who can sign for the club and help it out. Some of these guys I've mentioned don't pkay for the money they play for the budge. Huesca have amazing talented young lads ready to make a mark. High profile players just want money in their banks, get low profile players that are ready to bring Glory back to old Trafford
ntasevski
53
He wants to be the leader and a poster boy as much as he wants to win. He can win in Man Utd but it will need some time. I think he can give us a shot and choose this path because after all he is 19 years old and even if he doesn't win anything in the next 5 years, he will still be pretty young (24-25 years old). Ain't like he can't get money from Barça. He can, but he will be overshadowed by Messi, Pique, Umtiti, hell even Griezmann if he comes to Barça. If Matthijs wants to be the man and the leader, that he already is, he can continue his journey to the best English team - Manchester United. The sleeping giant will wake up, with him or without him. It's a matter of time. He can speed up the proccess.