Bayern Munich are now the favourites to sign Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, reportedly agreeing personal terms, beating Chelsea and Manchester City.
The centre-back is pushing for a move away from Turin after three seasons, dissatisfied with their back-to-back fourth place Serie A finishes over the last couple of campaigns.
He has a release clause of circa €120m in his contract, which runs to June 2024, so the Bianconeri want close to that figure in order to release the player who turns 23 next month.
Chelsea had emerged as early favourites, but have since been superseded by Bayern Munich, who dived in over the last few days with their negotiations.
According to Calciomercato.com transfer pundit Daniele Longo, the Bundesliga champions have agreed basic personal terms with the Dutchman worth €10m per season net – €18m per season gross – plus bonuses.
The Juventus offer for a contract extension was lower than his current €8m per season net plus add-ons salary.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Bayern director – and former Juventus player – Hasan Salihamidzic will be in Turin today for face-to-face talks with both club and defender.
The same source suggests Manchester United are also in the running, albeit unlikely considering they are not in the Champions League.
Lawyer Rafaela Pimenta, who inherited the transfer agency from Mino Raiola, has reportedly told Juve that De Ligt would favour a move to Bayern Munich above Chelsea.
The problem is that their offer is only €70m plus add-ons, which is nowhere near enough for Juventus or to beat the Chelsea proposals.