Chelsea and Manchester United have emerged as frontrunners to sign Juventus superstar Matthijs de Ligt this summer.

The Dutchman has been linked with a move away from Italy this summer, and there has bee a bombshell development this week.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus have been trying to extend the centre-back’s contract beyond 2024 to 2026.

But the two parties disagreed over the release clause desired by Juventus, with the Old Lady wanting a clause worth £98million, while the defender wants a clause below £70million.

According to the report, there was also a disagreement over wages, despite de Ligt being the highest-paid player in the squad.

It’s claimed de Ligt could now leave Juventus altogether, and Chelsea and Manchester United are named as frontrunners.

MORE: Chelsea and Tottenham submit bids for forward

Chelsea are in need of centre-backs amid the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christenson.

Meanwhile, United also want to strengthen their back-line this summer, and they are armed with a Dutch manager in Erik ten Hag, who worked with de Ligt for two years at Ajax.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Insider speculates Titans 'planning to move on' from former first-round WR
Panthers add former first-round pick to crowded RB room
Jets coach Rick Bowness announces retirement after long career
Mavericks sign Jason Kidd to multi-year extension
Reporter provides clarity on controversial NASCAR finish at Kansas
Stunning stat highlights NBA's youth movement
Report: Rival teams expect Sixers to attempt reunion with star
Donovan Mitchell channeled 'The Answer' in first-round win vs. Magic
Defending champion Golden Knights ousted by Stars in first round
Rangers hold off late Hurricanes rally to take early series lead
Watch: Kyle Larson wins closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history
Watch: Shohei Ohtani homers twice as Dodgers sweep Braves
Russell Westbrook reacts to reports of him leaving Clippers
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah joins elite company in victory vs. Tottenham
Anthony Edwards joins exclusive club of all-time greats
Aces sign All-Star G Jackie Young to contact extension through 2025
J.J. Watt reveals his thoughts on a potential NFL comeback
Taylor Pendrith outlasts Ben Kohles at Byron Nelson for maiden win
Andrey Rublev conquers Felix Auger-Aliassime, fever for Madrid title
Lando Norris wins Miami Grand Prix for his first career F1 victory

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.