Lisandro Martinez's admiration for Erik ten Hag is no secret, as his former Ajax boss looks for a reunion at Manchester United.
The 24-year-old spent three seasons under the new Red Devils manager's tutelage in Amsterdam and will have the chance to reunite with Ten Hag in Manchester if Ajax's asking price is met. United have submitted an improved £39.6million transfer bid to sign the Ajax defender.
Previously tipped to join Arsenal before the Gunners' first offer was rejected, United have quickly swooped in as they look to add defensive reinforcements of their own, with Martinez wanted by Ten Hag to provide a new centre-back option at Old Trafford.
Martinez would evidently love to work with the Dutch tactician again, especially in light of the heartfelt message which he sent upon Ten Hag's departure in May.
"Hi Erik, I want to say thanks for everything," the seven-time capped Argentina international began 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."
Now, believing that his development in the Eredivisie has come to an end, Martinez is desperate to make his Premier League dream come true this summer. Mirror Football understands that Ten Hag is doing 'everything that he can' in order to secure his signature before the Red Devils fly out for their pre-season tour on July 8.
While Arsenal opened the bidding with a £34m offer, Ajax are holding out for a fee in the region of £43m, with technical director Gerry Hamstra and right-hand man Klaas-Jan Huntelaar keen to keep hold of the 2021 Copa America champion for another campaign.
But Martinez's desire is clear and Ajax rarely stand in a player's way when they want out - for the right price, of course. Able to operate at centre-back, left-back and as a holding midfielder, the fact the United target is left-footed would be greatly beneficial to Ten Hag's defensive setup.
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The new boss at Old Trafford is - unsurprisingly - a big fan of Martinez, praising the former Newell's Old Boys prodigy during a period when his minutes were cut in 2021, the same year in which he signed a four-year contract extension.
"The competition is fierce at Ajax and therefore some players have to be patient," Ten Hag explained, as quoted by Voetbal International. "It is true that someone like Lisandro Martinez plays less than last season, but I am satisfied with him.
"He can play left back, left central defender and left controlling midfielder. He has good technique, overview on the ball, dueling power, but he has less walking ability, for example."
