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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
James Findlater

Lisandro Martinez message to Erik ten Hag as Manchester United make offer for Ajax defender

Lisandro Martinez has already made his admiration for Erik ten Hag clear amid Manchester United’s attempts to sign him this summer.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News , United have made a €43million (£37m) offer for the Ajax defender as Ten Hag continues his summer rebuild. With deals for Tyrell Malacia and Frenkie de Jong expected to be completed soon, the United boss has started to concentrate on other positions.

United have now turned to Martinez as they look to strengthen their defensive options. The Argentina international is being targeted after Ten Hag had initially prioritised Jurrien Timber, who now looks set to stay in Amsterdam.

ALSO READ: Three ways Manchester United could line up with Lisandro Martinez transfer

Like many of his targets so far this summer, Ten Hag is already well acquainted with Martinez following their time together at Ajax. The 24-year-old spent three seasons playing under the new United boss before Ten Hag departed for Old Trafford earlier this summer.

But a reunion could well be on the cards as United look to secure a new centre-back. And judging by the message Martinez sent Ten Hag upon his departure from Ajax, it would be a reunion the Argentine would relish.

"Hi Erik, I want to say thanks for everything," Martinez said in an emotional video alongside Ajax stars past and present. "With you, I learned a lot about football. You made me a better player. You leave like a champion. You deserve it."

While United are interested in signing Martinez this summer, they aren’t the only club in the running. Arsenal are also interested in securing the defender’s services this summer, with the Gunners’ approaches likely to have spurred United into action.

United will hope to step up their pursuit of Martinez soon, with Malacia and De Jong nearing the end of their three-week break. United are aiming to finalise the signings of both players before they head out on their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

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