Manchester United are starting to make moves in the transfer market and there has been plenty of activity this week, with Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia set to become Erik ten Hag’s first signing.
Malacia is expected to be followed by Christian Eriksen, who has reportedly agreed to join the club as a free agent following his impressive six-month spell at Brentford.
Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez is also a target for the club, with the 24-year-old identified as their prime candidate to strengthen the backline.
Last week, it emerged that United had lodged a formal bid for the Argentina international and now, it’s being reported that the Old Trafford club would like to seal his arrival before they leave for their pre-season tour on Friday.
That’s according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, via Sports Illustrated, who add that United have sped up their pursuit of Martinez in a bid to include him on the three-week tour of Asia.
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Ajax officials reportedly met with United over the weekend to discuss the potential move, with reports of a €45m bid confirmed.
Arsenal are also in the race to sign Martinez but United are believed to be favourites to sign Martinez and he is increasingly likely to leave Ajax this summer.
SN’s verdict…
Ten Hag knows Martinez well from their time at Ajax, having used him in three different positions since signing him in 2019. The combative Argentinian is capable of playing at centre-back, left-back and defensive midfield.
That kind of versatility is scarce in the current group of United players and it’s understandable why Ten Hag would like Martinez to follow him to Old Trafford. Martinez also spoke glowingly of Ten Hag when his appointment at United was made official earlier this year.
Arsenal’s interest is believed to be genuine but should United be able to seal this transfer before they leave for pre-season, it would be seen as a huge coup for Ten Hag.
Despite a slow start to the window, Ten Hag is now finally starting to shape his side.
WHAT ABOUT FRANKE DE’JON
I think its now we have for the push of our future.