Manchester United are finally getting to work this summer and it’s looking like incomings can be expected in time for next week’s start of the pre-season tour.
United leave for Thailand on July 8 and Erik ten Hag, the new boss, will be desperate to have introduced a couple of fresh faces by then.
One signing is already all but confirmed, with United agreeing personal terms with Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia after hijacking Olympique Lyon’s bid to sign the 22-year-old.
Frenkie de Jong, the Barcelona midfielder, is among the players United are working to sign but Lisandro Martinez, the Ajax defender, could be next in line.
Ten Hag has shown interest in several Ajax players this summer but it now looks like a move for Martinez is gaining momentum as the club make a formal effort to sign the 24-year-old.
That’s according to The Mirror, who claim that United have now launched a formal bid for Martinez, with the sum believed to be at £39.6m.
Read more: Man Utd linked with Leicester star following Frenkie de Jong breakthrough
As per the report, United are aiming to beat Arsenal to his signature after the London club had a bid of their own rejected, thought to be at £34m.
Ajax value Martinez at £43m and it’s reported that United’s offer, including add-ons, is not far away from a middleground between the two clubs.
Furthermore, it’s said that Martinez is keen on a move after telling Ajax chiefs that he wishes to join the Premier League, with United looking like his most likely destination.
SN’s verdict…
Martinez’s versatility is certainly one of the qualities Ten Hag searches for when he identifies his transfer targets and their relationship over the last three years will influence the deal.
United are bloated in defence but they are without an out-and-out defensive midfielder, a position Martinez perfected under Ten Hag in his second season at Ajax.
Martinez is currently on holiday after taking part in Argentina’s international fixtures but is expected back in Europe imminently. United fans will hope he’s unveiled at Carrington sooner rather than later.
