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Manchester United are aiming to agree personal terms with Lisandro Martinez, with the defender ready to tell Ajax that he wants to leave, according to reports.
After Manchester United secured the signing of Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia earlier this week, the club’s attention now looks to be firmly set on Martinez.
The Ajax defender who kept 11 Eredivisie clean sheets in 24 games last season has been heavily linked with United’s Premier League rivals Arsenal.
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However, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, United’s most recent offer is, “better than Arsenal’s one but not enough yet.”
United’s opening bid has been reported between around £34-39 million, with Ajax wanting a total of £43m. It may not be long until the two sides are able to come to an agreement.
It was also noted in Romano’s report that United are currently pushing to iron out personal terms with Martinez.
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The pull of former Ajax, and current Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is said to be key in the 24-year-olds decision.
First signed for Ajax in 2019 by Ten Hag, Martinez has gone on to make 120 appearances for the Amsterdam based club.
The defender has been used in a variety of roles since his arrival at the club, including time as a; centre back, fullback, and defensive midfielder.
His primary role is as a centre-back though, with 139 of his career appearances coming in the position.
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After three seasons at the club Martinez is now willing to ask Ajax directly to let him leave, in the case that such an action would secure him a move to a Premier League club.
It was reported early Saturday morning that since Manchester United opened negotiations with Ajax over the defender, they have become the favourites for securing his signature.
Whilst Martinez is clearly high on Ten Hag’s summer shopping list, it looks like he won’t be the only player the Dutchman managed at Ajax that he plans to bring to Old Trafford.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong’s transfer to United seems to be edging closer every day, with United keen to secure the signing ahead of their first pre-season fixture against Liverpool in 10 days time.
As of the time of writing, it is only the signing of young Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia that is essentially over the line at United, with only a contract needed to signed and a medical completed.
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But, it looks like De Jong and Martinez could well be joining him soon.
Additionally, the signing of Christian Eriksen was said to be hanging in the balance, with the former Ajax, Spurs, Inter and Brentford talisman willing to join United if they secured the signings of De Jong and Malacia. With those deals now all but wrapped up, Eriksen joining the club as well looks more than likely.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Arsenal, Lisandro Martinez, Ajax, Premier League, Football
