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Super-agent Mino Raiola is pushing Matthijs de Ligt in the direction of the destination with the highest economic offer, according to Cat Radio, and Manchester United are thought to be at the front of the economic queue.

What's the word?

The 19-year old prodigy is the number one prize of the summer transfer window and the biggest clubs in the world are lining up for his signature with Barcelona, Manchester United, PSG, and Juventus all said to be interested.

After breaking into the Ajax team in 2016, the Dutch centre-back became the club's captain at the age of 17 and led his side to the brink of the Champions League final this season before suffering last-gasp heartbreak courtesy of Lucas Moura and Tottenham.

Set for a huge move to the destination of his choice, De Ligt was expected to join Barcelona, but that now seems less certain with his agent Raiola pushing him towards a greater monetary offer.

Who's best interests?

Raiola is one of the world's most powerful sports agents and fights hard to get his clients the best deals possible. Manchester United have previous with the Italian after he helped facilitate Paul Pogba's move to Old Trafford.

However, while Raiola gets his clients the most money possible, questions must be asked as to whether he truly has the players' best interests at heart, or if his paramount concern is his own pockets being stuffed with cash.

Pushing De Ligt towards United might be the best financial move available, but it is not the best footballing move, something which the young Dutchman only has to look as far as Pogba to see.

Raiola helped Pogba leave Juventus for United, earning the French midfielder a huge pay increase, but also critically damaging his career. In Turin, the dynamic midfielder reached the Champions League final and won four Serie A titles while also earning three Team of the Season inclusions.

At United, Pogba has won the Europa League and made this season's PFA Team of the Year, while also seeing his stock plummet amid growing questions about his attitude. Now, the 25-year old is desperate to leave United.

Pogba might be earning huge wages from his move back to England, but it has severely damaged his footballing career and reputation, something that De Ligt needs to take note of.

His agent's motivations for the move are incredibly clear. Raiola made a staggering £41.39m from that move and is eyeing another major windfall in De Ligt's eventual transfer.

Raiola might be a fierce negotiator who gets the most money for his clients, but he also puts finances, including his own personal bank account, ahead of football. De Ligt must see through his agent's facade to move to Barcelona where he can truly continue his football education.