Rumour Has It: Matthijs de Ligt agrees terms with Juventus

We round up the front and back pages across Europe as Thursday sees the transfer rumour mill crank into gear again.

Matthijs de Ligt seems close to deciding his future and it appears to be good news for Juventus.

The Ajax captain has been linked with Europe's biggest clubs after a standout campaign, including leading the Dutch giant to the Eredivisie title and Champions League semifinals.

Paris Saint-Germain was reportedly favourites to sign the centre-back, but it seems De Ligt is close to joining Juventus.

 

TOP STORY – DE LIGT AGREES TERMS WITH JUVE

De Ligt has accepted a five-year contract worth EUR 12 million a year from Juventus , according to Sky Sport . It is a big step for the Serie A champion, which must still strike a deal with Ajax for the defender.

However, Sky Sport also reports PSG is still in the race for De Ligt.

The arrival of De Ligt in Turin would be a boost for Juve, whose formidable defence has the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, 34, and Leonardo Bonucci, 32, nearing retirement.

ROUND-UP

- Neymar is expected to leave PSG for Barcelona , but talks have — somewhat predictably — started slowly. Le Parisien claims the parties met and PSG is unwilling to sell the attacker, with the Brazilian perhaps needing to state his position publicly. AS reports Ivan Rakitic could be key to a possible deal, with PSG having wanted the Croatia midfielder last season.

Read | It is time for Neymar to decide, says Belletti

- Real Madrid 's rebuild is well and truly on track, but it may not be over yet. Sport believes Zinedine Zidane is still pushing Florentino Perez to bring in Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba , with the club president more interested in the cheaper Christian Eriksen , Tanguy Ndombele or Donny van de Beek .

- Manchester City could be eyeing a move for Real Madrid playmaker Isco . Marca reports Pep Guardiola wants the Spain international, who he considers an ideal replacement for David Silva. Silva has announced the 2019-20 season is set to be his last at the Etihad Stadium. Isco was first touted as a possible City signing back at the start of Manuel Pellegrini's tenure in 2013.

Read | Guardiola: Barcelona targets Neymar and Griezmann are 'very good'

- Inter continues to be linked with Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku and it seems they may be close to a deal. Sky Sports reports the Serie A side is preparing a GBP 9m offer to sign Lukaku on a two-year loan deal, with an obligation to buy the Belgium striker for another GBP 54m. Inter is also set to sign Hertha Berlin midfielder Valentino Lazaro in a deal worth EUR 22m, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

- Manchester United seems set to finally complete the signing of Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka . The BBC reports the clubs have agreed a GBP 50m fee for the full-back. United, however, has given up on signing Harry Maguire after being told Leicester City wanted GBP 100m for the defender, according to the Daily Mirror .

- Tottenham is close to strengthening its squad, with Sky Sports reporting it has agreed a GBP 55.5m fee with Lyon for Ndombele .