Barcelona want to sign Ajax youngster Frenkie de Jong in January after learning of interest from Tottenham, according to reports in Spain.
Earlier this week, reports claimed Spurs have sent scouts to watch De Jong, who has been linked with Barcelona ever since he broke into the Ajax first-team in 2016/17.
Tottenham are apparently now keeping tabs on the 21-year-old ahead of a potential move for yet another Ajax player – Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Christian Eriksen and Davinson Sanchez all used to play for the Dutch giants.
But according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keen to wrap up a deal for De Jong quickly, just in case another club swoops before them.
It is believed Barcelona had been willing to wait until the end of the current season to make an offer, but they might now go for De Jong in the January transfer window.
Tottenham are likely to recruit a long-term replacement for Mousa Dembele either in January or next summer.
After failing to make a single signing during the summer transfer window, perhaps Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to make an approach for De Jong in January.
But interest from Barcelona could seriously hinder Spurs’ chances of completing a deal.
