New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag overruled the club’s recruitment department over the signing of a new central defender this summer.
United had identified Villarreal defender Pau Torres as their primary defensive target this summer with the deal said to be 'discussed and negotiated' with the player’s representatives, who were planning to go to England to wrap up the transfer.
However, Ten Hag put the brakes on the deal by instead insisting that United move to sign versatile defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax. The Argentine international identified as a potential target for United after missing out on a deal to sign his teammate Jurrien Timber. Arsenal are also interested in a move for Martinez but are unlikely to be able to offer the same incentives for the versatile player, who is primarily a central defender.
Ten Hag has utilised his personal relationship with Martinez to convince him to join Old Trafford this summer and prioritise a move to United ahead of either staying with Ajax or joining the Gunners. Martinez has now informed Ajax of his desire to be allowed to leave the Amsterdam giants this summer and complete a move to United.
The Gunners first made a move for Martinez last month despite the impressive partnership formed by Ben White and Gabriel last season. A report in De Telegraaf claimed that the Gunners told Ajax they were prepared to offer £25.8million (€30m) for the defender but backed down after being informed that the player would not be sold.
That was the moment when United made their interest in the defender concrete and they have been made aware that Ajax will cash-in on the player should the right bid emerge. As reported by The Times, United have made an offer in the region of £42million (€50m) to sign the player.
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Martinez starred under Ten Hag across three seasons at the Dutch club following a €7million move from Argentine outfit Defensa y Justicia. The new United boss believes he would enjoy similar success in the Premier League.
Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are the first choice central defenders at Ten Hag’s disposal, while it is believed the club will listen to offers for Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe this summer as they look to slim down their squad further.
United have only made one transfer in this summer window to date with the signing of full-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord although they do have a primary deal in place to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong after an initial transfer fee agreed with Barcelona of £56.2million, while Christian Eriksen has a verbal agreement in place to join on a three-year deal.
