Matthijs de Ligt could reportedly leave Juventus during this summer's transfer window.
The 22-year-old was a key player for the Old Lady during the 2021-22 campaign, making 43 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals and one assist in the process.
The Netherlands international only has little over two years left to run on his contract in Turin, though, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus are fearful that the defender will not extend his current deal, while he recently refused to rule out a move away from the Old Lady this summer.
"Talks are being held and, when the time comes, I will decide whether I will extend or whether I want to look elsewhere," 90min quoted De Ligt as saying.
"I always look at what is best for myself in terms of sporting project. Fourth place, two years in a row, is not good enough. We will have to make steps in that direction. Personally, this was my best year so far. In terms of playing time and the way I played.
"The club have said that to me and I have shown this season, when Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were injured, what I am capable of. I had to take the lead and it went well. I think that's the next step."
With that in mind, Sports Mole picks out three clubs that could attempt to sign the central defender during this summer's transfer window.
Manchester United
Man United are said to be keeping a close eye on De Ligt's situation, with the Red Devils keen to sign a central defender during this summer's transfer window.
Jurrien Timber had been strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford before it emerged that the Netherlands international is preparing to spend another campaign at Ajax.
Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe could all potentially leave the Red Devils this summer, which would allow the club to reinvest in another central defender.
Man United were thought to be in the mix for De Ligt when he left Ajax in July 2019 and could now reignite their interest ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
De Ligt has a €120m (£103.3m) release clause inserted into his current deal with Juventus, though, so it could be an almost impossible task for the Manchester giants to sign him this summer.
Chelsea
Chelsea are also in the market for a centre-back this summer, with both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger leaving the club on free transfers in search of pastures new.
Kalidou Koulibaly has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, but the centre-back is now allegedly keen to spend the remainder of his career at Napoli.
Meanwhile, Presnel Kimpembe could prove to be too expensive, with Paris Saint-Germain desperate to keep hold of the France international in the current market.
Juventus would not be prepared to sell De Ligt on the cheap, but he would certainly be a statement signing by Thomas Tuchel's side if they managed to negotiate a deal.
The chance to move to the Premier League is believed to appeal to the Dutchman, and Chelsea would be able to offer him a genuine chance of winning trophies in the coming years.
Barcelona
Barcelona still have financial problems, but the Catalan outfit are said to be planning for a busy summer market, with a new centre-back high on their list of priorities.
Christensen is set to arrive on a free transfer from Chelsea, but Oscar Mingueza, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti are all likely to be on their way out of the club this summer.
Sevilla's Jules Kounde has been strongly linked with the La Liga giants, but Barcelona are also believed to have a long-term interest in De Ligt, who starred for Ajax ahead of a switch to Juventus.
De Ligt has the big-game experience that Xavi's side want this summer, but a move for the Dutchman would depend on outings at the club, namely Frenkie de Jong, who continues to be linked with Man United.
Barcelona might also struggle to match the salaries that both Man United and Chelsea would be capable of placing on the table for the one-time Serie A winner. body check tags ::
