Ajax have increased their asking price for Lisandro Martinez as Manchester United continue to chase the 24-year-old as they look to strengthen their back-line.
Erik ten Hag is keen to reunite with the Argentine defender but Ajax are playing hardball and now demand a fee of around £52million for Martinez this summer. The player has made it clear he wants to leave the Dutch giants and is hoping to force through a move to the Red Devils.
United's latest bid of around £43m was rejected by Ajax as the club felt the offer was too low and it included £5m of add-ons. Despite seeing their latest bid turned down, the Red Devils feel they are getting closer to agreeing a deal for Martinez but the Amsterdam club have increased their asking price, according to De Telegraaf.
Sources close to the Martinez camp say the South American star is losing patience with Ajax, who had hoped to encourage a bidding war between United and Arsenal, with the Gunners also chasing the defender. The player and his agent have so far stayed silent but they are said to be disappointed and crucial talks will be held with Ajax in the next few days.
Ten Hag is also pushing Old Trafford chiefs to reach an agreement with his former club, believing Martinez, along with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, is central to his plans to revitalise United. Barcelona have so far blocked United's attempts to sign De Jong, although Old Trafford bosses remain hopeful a deal can be done before the window closes.
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That's scuppered Ten Hag's hopes of having the Nou Camp and former Ajax star on United's tour of Asia and Australia – but he wants Martinez to fly out as soon as a deal is done. However, despite reports, Ten Hag and United haven't yet spoken to Ajax about Brazilian winger Antony.
The Dutchman has made it clear that he hopes to keep Cristiano Ronaldo, though, insisting he is not for sale. He said: "We are planning with Ronaldo for this season - that's it. I'm looking forward to working with him."
Asked if Ronaldo wants to leave, Ten Hag replied: "He hasn't told me this. I have read, but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale, he's in our plans and we want to get success together.
"I spoke with him before this issue came up. I had a conversation with him and had a real good talk."
