Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.
Club sources have confirmed discussions are progressing for United to sign the 24-year-old centre-back. It is understood United want to sign Martinez in time for him to join the squad in Australia on Tuesday.
United turned their attention to Martinez last month after his Ajax teammate Jurrien Timber opted to stay with the Dutch champions. New United manager Erik ten Hag has prioritised targets he is familiar with and the club has backed the Dutchman over their recruitment department.
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United’s scouting analysts identified Villarreal defender Pau Torres as the ideal left-footed centre half to sign but Ten Hag insisted on Martinez. The club had also shortlisted David Carmo, who left Braga for Porto, this summer.
Although United have prioritised strengthening their midfield and attack, Arsenal’s interest in Martinez promoted them to move for the Argentina international. United made an initial bid of €43million (£37m) for Martinez and are expected to meet Ajax’s €55m (£46m) valuation.
It would be the fifth major centre-back signing in seven summers at Old Trafford. United signed Eric Bailly in 2016, Victor Lindelof in 2017, Harry Maguire in 2019 and Raphael Varane in 2021. Martinez is also capable of playing at full-back and in defensive midfield.
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