Lisandro Martinez has been banned from training with Ajax as Manchester United continue to chase a deal for the defender.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Argentine throughout large swaths of the summer window, with Erik ten Hag keen on being reunited with his former player at Old Trafford. Premier League rivals Arsenal were also chasing a deal for Martinez in the current window.
Reports have suggested that United have won the race for his services with suggestions that they had a £46m bid accepted by Ajax. However, Mirror Sport believes that not to be the case just yet with talks between the two clubs still at an advanced stage.
Now, another development on the Argentinian defender’s future has seen a switch to Old Trafford edge ever closer. As per reports in the Netherlands by De Telegraaf, Martinez was not allowed to train with his Ajax teammates as they prepare for the 2022/23 season.
The Dutch giants apparently do not want to put a move in any jeopardy with an injury, instead limiting the defender to his own program in the gym. It remains to be seen when or even if he becomes a Red Devil but things appear to be going well.
Ajax have already accepted that they cannot hold onto the 24-year-old after he expressed his desire to move on and the club are ready to accept United’s offer. They have also been scouring Europe for his potential replacement in anticipation of an exit.
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Mykola Matviyenko of Shakhtar Donetsk is one option, whilst Rangers star Calvin Bassey was also recently linked with a move to the Johan Cruyff Arena.
United chief executive Richard Arnold and Football Director John Murtough are brokering the Martinez deal, whilst keeping manager Ten Hag abreast of developments - the Dutchman currently in Australia for the club’s pre-season tour.
Once all goes through, Martinez will become the second signing of the summer at Old Trafford - Tyrell Malacia having also arrived from a Dutch club with his switch from Feyenoord.
The business is not expected to end there for United though. The Red Devils are hoping to finalise the arrival of Christian Eriksen over the next few days.
The Danish playmaker has verbally agreed a move to the club following his Brentford exit and will add further to the midfield options at Ten Hag’s disposal. Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong also features highly on United’s summer wishlist but so far a deal for the Dutchman has proved difficult with him remaining unconvinced on leaving Catalonia.
A new striker could also potentially be on the club’s summer shopping list with major doubt over the future of last season’s top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo after he submitted a transfer request.
