Manchester United are OUT of the race to sign Ajax sensation
Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.
United have been tracking De Ligt, who is one of the most highly-rated centre-backs in world
football.
He has been linked with almost every big club in Europe and insists he will make a decision on his future after playing for Holland in the UEFA Nations League
However, French oulet RMC says he has already narrowed it down to just two clubs, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain the only ones left in the running.
United have now reportedly decided not to sign a new centre-back at all this summer.
However, the news will come as a huge blow to United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he is desperate for reinforcements as he prepares to overhaul his struggling squad.
Barcelona appears to be the natural choice given their links with Ajax.
They agreed a deal to bring in January to sign Frenkie de Jong from the Dutch giants and he will move to the Nou Camp before the start of next season.
Holland boss Ronald Koeman recently revealed he had spoken to De Ligt about his next move but refused to give anything away.
"I spoke to Matthijs one week ago about his future, and that's a secret,’ he said ahead of Holland's clash with England tonight.
"What I told all the young players maybe thinking about making a step, the most important thing is to keep playing, keep getting minutes to develop your football.
"That's the most important thing. How the club is playing is also a reason to make a choice.
"He, his family, his agent and those around the player will make the best decision for the player."
De Ligt captained Ajax to a domestic double last term and also led their sensational charge to the
Champions League semi-finals.
And Koeman believes he has all the required attributes to shine on the biggest stage.
"His big quality is that he's only 19. It looks like sometimes he has the experience of a player of 25,” he added.
"That was great, that they (Ajax) had success in the Champions League, in the highest level competing against big clubs.
"That makes the development of young players. He's a great professional, really clever.
"He's doing extra training. He can improve, of course, because he's not at the end of his qualities.
"That's normal for someone of 19. He can develop his ball construction from behind. But he's a great player already at this age.
"He will be better in some years. Let's hope he will choose a big, big club. He deserves that."