Manchester United are set to make a new bid for Ajax central defender Lisandro Martinez, after seeing a £37million offer knocked back.
Ajax are holding out for around £46million for the 24-year-old and United are now expected to return with a fresh bid that could see a deal struck between the two teams. Ajax are also believed to be preparing for Martinez's departure.
Sources say chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough are "inter-railing around Europe" in an attempt to conclude signings. Arnold and Murtough were filmed in Barcelona earlier this week, where they met club officials about the protracted signing of midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
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United moved for Martinez after initially looking at a move for his central defensive partner Jurrien Timber and Arsenal's interest in the Argentine spurred them into action once it became clear Timber wouldn't leave Ajax.
Erik ten Hag is familiar with Martinez, having worked with him in Amsterdam, and the player has been keen to be reunited with his former manager.
Arsenal are now thought to be out of the running for Martinez's signature and with Ajax looking at potential replacements a deal with United could accelerate once a second offer arrives.
Martinez is a left-footed central defender and Ten Hag has prioritised his signing ahead of players United's recruitment department have looked at, including Villarreal's Pau Torres and David Carmo of Braga, who recently sealed a move to Porto.
He is relatively small for a central defender at 5ft 9ins but has made 120 appearances for Ajax, as well as winning seven caps for Argentina. Martinez can also play as a defensive midfielder although United primarily see him as defensive reinforcement.
Murtough and Arnold have been in Barcelona at the start of this week to try and accelerate a deal to sign De Jong from the Catalan giants. A deal to sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer is also edging nearer as he continues to undergo a medical. The Dane could meet up with the United squad in Australia.
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