Barcelona have contacted Ajax in an attempt to begin negotiations over a deal for their young midfielder Frankie de Jong, reports in Spain have suggested.
De Jong, 21, has long been on Barca’s shortlist as they look to preserve their future with the recruitment of some young blood.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo has reported that the club’s directors made contact with their Dutch counterparts on Monday but Ajax are standing their ground.
Barcelona are a tad lighter than usual in the midfield after the departure of club legend Andres Iniesta at the end of last season, who will complete his move to Japanese Club Vissel Kobe on July 1.
While De Jong, who made 22 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax last season, would not quite fill the boots left behind by Iniesta, he has shown the potential to be a first-team regular for the Catalan side and could find an offer too tempting to resist.
Despite his current value unspecified by his employers, Barca are keen to make a move this summer to avoid any price inflation should De Jong push on from the strong foundations he has built thus far.