Premier League clubs looking to claim the signatures of Adrien Rabiot and Mathijs De Ligt believe both players have already pledged to join Barcelona this summer.

Whilst not giving up on the French midfielder or Dutch centre-half, the thinking amongst the English outfits, is that they ‘might’ be wasting their time.

England’s top six Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all enquired about both players – although have differing levels of interest in both players.

Paris Saint Germain’s Rabiot is actually available on a free transfer, and has been a long-term target of Barca – although he has officially not pledged his future to any club, some of the Premier League clubs involved in talks believe he has all but agreed a deal with Barcelona.

Arsenal and Tottenham are both believed to have offered contracts to Rabiot, whilst Liverpool and United also held talks, but it remains to be seen if anyone can beat Barca to his signature.

As for centre-half De Light – he is understood to be keen on following friend and Ajax team-mate Frenkie De Jong, who has already agreed a £65million move to Barcelona.

Barca could now take their Ajax spending to over £100million, with De Ligt carrying a £50million price-tag.

Manchester City, Liverpool and United are all pushing ahead with their interest, but like with Rabiot – there is a belief that Barca are all but over the line with him.

Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana said last month: “De Ligt wants to go with De Jong to Barcelona. I have spoken to both of them about it.”

It now remains to be seen whether Barca will land both, but they are firm favourites. PaddyPower make them odds-on at 5/6 to land Rabiot, whilst they are 21/10 favourites for De Ligt.