Real Madrid plotting shock bid for 'hugely popular' Manchester United player who Ruben Amorim can't afford to lose

Real Madrid have added a Manchester United player who has become a key member of the Old Trafford squad to their transfer wishlist.

United are in the early phase of new boss Ruben Amorim's leadership after the Portuguese was recruited from Sporting to become the Old Trafford club's new head coach following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.

After a draw against Ipswich Town and victories over Bodo/Glimt and Everton, Amorim experienced his first loss as United boss in midweek following a 2-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium to Arsenal.

United are poised to return to action on Saturday evening at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest, despite fears over a potential postponement due to Storm Darragh.

United beat Real Madrid over the summer to the signing of promising young defender Leny Yoro from Lille. He made his competitive debut for the Reds in the midweek defeat to the Gunners, after a pre-season injury and the subsequent recovery and rehabilitation delayed his involvement.

Real's big summer signing a few months ago was the acquisition of forward Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer after his contract with Paris-Saint Germain expired.

However, it was not a big summer of spending for the Santiago Bernabeu club by any stretch of the imagination. It is possible that might change in the summer of 2025 as Real assess their options in the market to strengthen.

United defender Lisandro Martinez was suspended for the clash against Arsenal after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign in the 4-0 win over Everton, and is expected to return to the starting XI for Saturday's game against Forest.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez. (Image: Getty)

But according to TBR Football, Real have added Martinez to a shortlist of defensive options they are 'keeping tabs' on ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Martinez joined United from Ajax in 2022 in a deal worth more than £50m, but with his contract running until 2027 with an option for an extra 12 months, the Old Trafford club are not under any pressure to sell the Argentina international.

The report adds that Martinez is a 'hugely popular' player at United and Amorim, who prefers to play a back three, will be reluctant to sell one of his most experienced defenders.

Other Premier League central defenders Real are also monitoring according to the report include Tottenham's Cristian Romero and Arsenal's William Saliba.