With less than a week to go before they depart for this summer’s pre-season tour, Manchester United are gaining momentum in their transfer business.
With the deal to bring Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford continuing to drag on, other targets have been identified in other areas and Lisandro Martinez, the Ajax defender, is one of Erik ten Hag’s prime targets.
Earlier on Saturday, it emerged that United had lodged an official bid for the 24-year-old, with Old Trafford chiefs keen on beating Arsenal to his signature.
Mikel Arteta’s side are also interested in the Argentina international but according to reports, United are favourites to sign him this summer.
That’s according to The Athletic, who add that United are in advanced negotiations with the Amsterdam club over his transfer, with belief that he would be keen on making the switch to Manchester.
Read more: Manchester United launch bid to sign Ajax defender
Furthermore, Martinez’s relationship with Ten Hag is thought to be a factor, with the versatile defender looking to reunite with his former boss.
As per the report, Arsenal maintain a strong interest in Martinez but have fallen behind United in the race to secure his signature.
SN’s verdict…
United’s transfer targets this summer all have one thing in common and that’s that Ten Hag is familiar with all of them. In a summer of wholesale changes, it’s wise of the new United manager to bring in players well versed in his philosophy.
Martinez is capable of playing in three different positions and as things stand, although he would prefer to play at centre-back, a role in defensive midfield could suit the current team.
In addition to becoming a mainstay in the Ajax side, Martinez is also a regular for Argentina and could trump many of his countrymen at Old Trafford. For starters, he already speaks perfect English.
