Barcelona news: January swoop planned for Ajax teen sensation Matthijs de Ligt

Barcelona have made a storming start to the La Liga campaign so far, winning all of their five games and scoring 17 goals in the process.

They have also kept their opposing teams at bay so far, conceding just two goals over the same number of games.

But with three centre-backs the wrong side of 30 in Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano and Thomas Vermaelen, Barcelona are planning for the future.

Samuel Umtiti has proven an able partner to Pique in the starting line-up for Ernesto Valverde and is highly regarded at Barcelona.

But they are keen to bring in more defensive reinforcements once the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

And Mundo Deportivo claim the Catalan giants want De Ligt to be part of their future defensive line.

The report claims Barcelona became aware of the Ajax star’s talents while scouting Davinson Sanchez, who joined Tottenham in the summer.

And Barcelona are also monitoring Red Bull Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano who has established himself as a regular in the Bundesliga at just 18 years old.

Both defenders are said to fit the profile of what Barcelona are looking for with the duo possessing pace and technical ability.

De Ligt, also 18, became the second youngest scorer for Ajax last season and also the youngest debutant for Holland since Mauk Weber in 1931.