Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona connections won’t have an effect on his decision, Matthijs de Ligt has confirmed.

The Dutch defender had an exemplary season as he captained Ajax to the Eredivisie title and also guided them to the Champions League semifinal. The 19 year old’s brilliance in the heart of the Ajax backline hasn’t gone unnoticed and a number of clubs are believed to be interested in his service.

Barcelona were the first to contact his entourage and the defender looked on his course to Spain but Manchester United have hijacked the deal and reportedly have offered a huge wage to lure the player.

De Ligt said, “At the end of the day, you look at yourself only. He [Ronald Koeman] does know me well but the fact that he is Dutch won’t matter a lot [if Koeman joins Barcelona].

“Why does it take so long for me to make a decision on my future? For months there have been reports about me and the transfer period itself hasn’t even started yet, so, fine question from you. It’s not that I write it. The media does that.

“I just want to finish this season first and focus on that [making decision on future]. I do prefer to play the pre-season with my new club, or with Ajax. I don’t know when it will happen but I hope will be as soon as possible.”

Diogo Dalot has revealed he takes inspiration from former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dalot was one of the handpicked talents of Jose Mourinho as United brought in the fullback from Porto as an understudy to Antonio Valencia. With Valencia leaving the club Dalot is expected to play a larger role in the next season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has opted a youth policy for the next campaign and it could be the breakthrough campaign for Dalot. The talented right back could solve United’s long standing fullback problem which had been a headache for the Red Devils.

Dalot said, “My answer will be a little bit shocking for everyone.

“Ronaldo, for me, was the main one. He was my idol from day one. Not because he’s Portuguese, or his style of playing, but for his hard work. When you think of an athlete, a complete athlete, a complete footballer, you need to choose Cristiano.

“For me, he was the main inspiration to start playing football. Not because I want to be like him, I want to take my own path, but to get to know him and see how he works is unbelievable.”

Manchester United have been handed a major boost as reputed journalist Guillem Balague insists Barcelona are not so confident regarding the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt.

The Catalans were destined to sign the defender following a brilliant 2018-19 season with Ajax. The 19 year old captained the Dutch side to the Eredivisie title and also guided them to the Champions League semifinal where they conceded a narrow defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

United entered the competition and have reportedly offered the player a massive £15m wage to lure the player to the Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to rebuild the team around youth players and de Ligt fits the profile perfectly.

Balague said, I think De Ligt is right in just being calm about the situation.

Right now, for me, Barcelona are the favourites but Barcelona are not very optimistic – not as optimistic as they were a month ago.

“These are just impressions. They have told De Ligt what they offered, they have told Ajax what they offered. They’re just waiting for an answer.”

Harry Maguire is not concerned by Manchester United’s interest in him and is fully focused on England.

The Leicester City defender played a pivotal part in the Three Lions journey to the semifinal in the Russia World Cup and is expected to lead the English backline when they face Holland in the UEFA Nations League semifinal.

The former Hull City defender was heavily linked with a move to United but went on to stay at the King Power Stadium and put his pen to paper to a new long term deal.

The Red Devils are still in the market for a suitable partner of Victor Lindelof and are tapping all the available resources. Maguire’s expertise in the Premier League ranks high among United’s other targets and they raid the Foxes to acquire his service.

Maguire said, “When I’m away with England, I don’t think about anything to do with club football.

“As soon as I wear this badge, it’s really important to focus on England and nothing else. I’m fully focused on the two games coming up and that’s where my head is at the moment.”