Liverpool, Chelsea still in running to sign Matthijs de Ligt as Juventus prepare to lower sky-high exit clause

Liverpool and Chelsea are both still reportedly in the running to sign Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, despite a new contract offer being on the table from the Serie A giants for the Dutchman.

The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Premier League. Indeed, he was highly touted to head to England prior to heading to Juve in a deal worth around £63million in July 2019.

Manchester United were initially interested before they eventually moved for Harry Maguire instead. However, since then it’s largely been Liverpool and Chelsea named as potential suitors.

A move to Stamford Bridge certainly makes sense, given the number of defenders Chelsea will lose this summer. But a switch to Liverpool appears to be a bit of a stretch.

The Reds already have Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate rotating alongside Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez in reserve. However, there remains a chance that the latter could move on for more game time next season.

But even if that happens, De Ligt is too good to be a reserve. In that case, a move to west London makes more sense.

Any move will, however, cost the buying club a pretty penny as Juventus prepare contract talks.

New contract won’t rule out De Ligt exit

The report from Calciomercato states that the defender has a new two-year offer on the table. With that offer, the plan is to lower his current €125m (£106m) release clause as well.

Calcio adds that even if De Ligt signs up there is no guarantee that he’ll stay, with the Premier League duo ready to put pressure on any potential sale.

At the current time, De Ligt is happy with the Bianconeri and not looking to leave. However, the report adds that significant Premier League interest could change that opinion.

The towering centre-back has scored three goals and helped Juve keep 11 clean sheets in 30 Serie A appearances this campaign.

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