Manchester City have held talks over signing Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to the Metro.co.uk.

The Dutch club reportedly value the 21-year-old at £70m, which would mean the Citizens would have to break their transfer record to recruit the Netherlands international.

Riyad Mahrez, at £60m, is currently the club’s costliest outlay, but it seems like that the Manchester club would have to eclipse that to sign de Jong.

The midfielder is rated very highly by City, but it would still be a huge amount to spend on a player who has played just 53 senior matches in his career.

De Jong is a player in high demand with Barcelona and Tottenham also keen on the playmaker, and it means Ajax are in a strong position.

It is believed City have already started negotiations with Director of Football Marc Overmars, but if a deal does go ahead in January, they are said to want the player back on loan for the rest of the season.

Even with the sizeable transfer fee, it appears Pep Guardiola’s side would agree to this condition as they are said to be very keen to land one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe.