Manchester United are looking to tie star defender Lisandro Martinez down to a new contract less than 12 months after signing him from Ajax, according to reports.
The Argentine defender immediately became a fan-favourite at Old Trafford and has emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading centre-backs, proving all of his doubters wrong in the process.
Martinez signed a five-year contract when he followed Erik ten Hag from Amsterdam to Manchester, with the Old Trafford club also holding the option of extending his deal for an additional year.
Now, it is being reported that United are keen on entering talks with Martinez over improved terms. That’s according to the Daily Mail, who say that United will open talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives during this summer’s tour of the United States.
Martinez missed United’s run-in due to a serious ankle injury but he is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season and could now have a new contract to boot.
It’s also reported that United remain in the hunt for another centre-back, with uncertainty looming over the futures of captain Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
As per the report, Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, who was recently crowned Serie A champion in his first season with Napoli, is a player of interest.
SN’s verdict…
A new contract for Martinez would possibly be the most deserved renewal for many years at United. Bruno Fernandes’ long-term extension last year also falls into that category.
Martinez immediately endeared himself to supporters and that love has been reciprocated, as shown by the endless chanting from the Old Trafford faithful.
