According to the Sun, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Ajax’s teenage sensation Matthijs de Ligt. Spurs are lining up a £45million swoop for the Dutchman as the long-term replacement for Toby Alderweireld, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

De Ligt has emerged as one of the hottest prospects across Europe with his commanding displays at the heart of Ajax’ defence. A product of the famed Ajax academy, the 18-year-old has already featured 50 times for the senior team.

De Ligt caught everyone’s eyes with a string of impressive displays in Ajax’s run to the Europa League final last season and has continued to stand out this campaign. He has the attributes of a perfect modern centre-back – quick, aerially imposing and technically gifted. The Dutchman is one of the top prospects to emerge from the Ajax academy in recent times.

Barcelona and Arsenal scouts have watched the teenager in action in recent months but Tottenham remain the frontrunners to bag his signature at the end of the season, the Sun reports.

With Alderweireld all set to leave at the end of the season, Pochettino sees De Ligt as the ideal man to replace the experienced Belgian centre-half. Rightly so, De Ligt is accomplished on the ball, loves to play from the back and make quick passes to set up an attack. Blessed with top speed and anticipation, the Dutchman also remains a big threat during set-pieces.

For us, De Ligt would be the perfect defender to fill the void left behind by Alderweireld. Under Pochettino, the Dutchman will also be able to take his game to the next level.