Matthijs de Ligt was sensational for Ajax against Real Madrid in Tuesday evening's Champions League tie, and Atletico Madrid now hope to bring him to the Spanish capital as a new signing.
Bayern Munich's pursuit of Lucas Hernandez could leave Diego Simeone without a first-choice defensive pairing, especially with Diego Godin likely on his way to Serie A.
De Ligt has impressed Europe's elite clubs with his performance and there is likely to be a real battle for his signature in the summer, with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu already confirming the Dutchman is a target for the Blaugrana.
However, Atleti are fully aware that their defensive structure needs redeveloping, especially with Stefan Savic having missed much of the current campaign through injury.
Lucas' buy-out clause stands at 80 million euros and Los Colchoneros will not let him leave for a euro less than that figure, however the money would be immediately reinvested on a defender.