Manchester United are reportedly refusing to be beaten in their pursuit of Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.

Barcelona are still thought to lead the race for the 19-year-old, although it was recently claimed that the Spanish champions had lost control of the pursuit due to interest from elsewhere.

According to Sport, United have 'significantly improved' their offer in a bid to tempt the Netherlands international to move to Old Trafford in this summer's transfer window.

The same report has claimed that De Ligt is tempted by the offer from the 20-time English champions, who are desperate for a new centre-back due to their recent struggles at the back.

De Ligt will not turn 20 until August but has already made 117 appearances for Ajax's first team in all competitions.