Matthijs de Ligt has revealed that he is "inspired" by Juventus defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci and says that he could join the Italian giants from Ajax.

The Netherlands international is one of the hottest young talents in world football, having been touted as a target for a number of heavyweight clubs in Europe.

Barcelona have supposedly been chasing the Ajax captain's signature, as have Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, but Juve appear to have an advantage on their Champions League rivals.

De Ligt is a big fan of the Bianconeri's central-defensive duo and he could soon become one of their teammates.

"I really like Chiellini - he is very strong, one of the best ever defenders," he told Tuttosport. "I also appreciate Bonucci - they are two of the best centre-backs in Europe. For a young man like me, they are both two models to be inspired by.

"Me at Juve? It could be, but there are also other interested clubs. We'll see at the right time. Now, I'm focused on Ajax and my agent Mino Raiola will take care of it."

De Ligt is contracted to Ajax until 2021 and is expected to be valued in the region of £64m.