The 19-year-old Ajax captain is one of football's most in-demand players, with Barca seemingly his most likely destination.
Barca had reportedly wanted to conclude a deal this week, ahead of De Ligt joining up with the Holland squad for the UEFA Nations League - but that will no longer happen.
Instead, according to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barca are no longer certain of completing a deal at all, despite reports of an agreement back in April.
Barca were unable to get the deal done early - as they were for De Ligt's team mate Frenkie De Jong in January - because of Ajax reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
That has allowed other members of Europe's rich list - such as Manchesters United and City - to make huge offers, and has led De Ligt to ask Barca for more money.
Sport report that Barca are still negotiating with De Ligt, who they feel will provide the backbone of their defence for years to come as the long-term successor to Gerard Pique.
De Ligt has previously indicated he is keen to join Barca, and told reporters in Holland that he is keen to team up with De Jong again.
However he admitted that he is still unsure if a deal can definitely happen - certainly, Barca look set to have to pay more than the £75million they paid Ajax for De Jong.
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