Manchester United in advanced negotiations for Ajax's Lisandro Martinez.

 

Manchester United are in advanced negotiations with Ajax over Lisandro Martinez amid a belief the defender would be keen on moving to Old Trafford.

Newly-appointed United manager Erik ten Hag wants to reunite with Martinez — the pair worked together in Amsterdam — and the opportunity is understood to appeal to the left-sided centre-back.

Arsenal also hold a strong interest in Martinez and made a new €40 million bid last week, as reported by The Athletic. Their pursuit continues and personal terms would not be a problem for the north London side. The issue now is which club can agree a fee with Ajax and then who Martinez opts to join.

But sources feel United are now favourites for the Argentina international, who spent three seasons playing under Ten Hag in the Eredivisie. Currently on holiday, Martinez is not known to have made a final decision as his suitors vie to have an offer accepted.

Ajax are thought to be seeking a guaranteed price in the region of €50 million for Martinez, with further negotiations anticipated in the coming days.

Martinez has played mostly in central defence but can also operate on the left and as a holding midfielder. He has made 120 appearances for Ajax since arriving from Argentinian side Defensa y Justicia in 2019.

United view Martinez as a centre-back of a different profile to rival Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane.

The club are open to offers for Eric Bailly, with Fulham interested, although sources suggest he wants to fight for his place at United and will report to training on Monday. Clubs are also looking at Phil Jones.

Arsenal are said to be see Martinez, who is 5ft 9in and excellent on the ball, primarily as a left-back. Mikel Arteta’s side are pushing for his signature.

The Athletic revealed earlier on Friday that another player based in the Netherlands, Feyenoord’s Tyrell Malacia, had agreed personal terms with United.

It is understood the 22-year-old has agreed a four-year contract with the option for an additional fifth year.

The deal has not yet been signed, but it is possible Malacia will undergo a medical over the weekend.

Malacia would become Ten Hag’s first signing since he replaced Ralf Rangnick at the club. Meanwhile United are continuing their efforts to recruit Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen remains a target.