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Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong who has emerged as the Catalan club’s top priority in the summer transfer window.

However, they will have to shell out as much as €50 million to secure the services of the 21-year-old.

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According to Marca, the Catalan giants have held talks with de Jong’s representatives despite Ajax’s unwillingness to offload the Dutchman.

Ajax recently lost talented winger Justin Kluivert to Roma and they can ill-afford another departure. The winger joined AS Roma for £15.8 million last month.

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However, a move to Barcelona is a dream for any footballer, and de Jong might not be able to resist the prospect of playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Ernesto Valverde is looking for reinforcements following Andres Iniesta’s exit, and de Jong is the player most likely to be roped in as his replacement.