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Manchester United 'to meet with Ajax on Wednesday to discuss Lisandro Martinez'

Man United 'to meet with Ajax on Wednesday to discuss Martinez'
© Reuters
Manchester United will meet with Ajax representatives on Wednesday to discuss central defender Lisandro Martinez, according to a report.

Manchester United will reportedly meet with Ajax representatives on Wednesday with a view to coming to an agreement over a deal for central defender Lisandro Martinez.

The Red Devils are said to be pushing to sign the Argentina international, with the club's new head coach Erik ten Hag keen on a reunion with the player that he managed in Amsterdam.

Man United and Arsenal had seemingly been going head-to-head for the defender, but a recent report claimed that the Gunners had cooled their interest in the defender.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 20-time English champions will meet with Ajax on Wednesday to continue discussions over the South American.

Romano claims that the Dutch champions are 'open to selling' the defender 'at their conditions', but Man United's latest proposal for the 24-year-old was turned down.

Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez in action for Argentina in February 2022© Reuters

Man United allegedly recently offered €50m (£42m) for Martinez, having been informed by the player's representatives that the fee would be enough to sign him, but Ajax are now thought to want €60m (£50.8m).

Martinez was a vital player for his Dutch club last season, scoring once and providing four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, he has played 120 times for Ajax since arriving at the club from Defensa y Justicia in 2019, helping the team win back-to-back league titles and the KNVB Cup.

Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan recently told De Telegraaf that Martinez was a leading target for Ten Hag during this summer's transfer window.

"Martinez is very high on Erik ten Hag's wishlist." said Van der Kraan. "Martinez will also have his hopes pinned on United, who are an absolute top club for him.

"Ajax will really cash out for Martinez and go to €45m (£38.7m)-€50m (£43m), but that is the advantage if two clubs bid, as we saw with Lyon and Manchester United, then it suddenly goes higher."

Lisandro Martinez warms up for Ajax on December 9, 2020© Reuters

At just 5ft 9in, Martinez would be one of the smallest centre-backs in the Premier League if he were to move to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.

Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are all expected to stay with Man United this summer, but Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones are said to be surplus to requirements.

Varane, Lindelof and Bailly were all involved in Tuesday's 4-0 victory over Liverpool in Thailand, while Alex Telles was used as a centre-back in the second half of the contest.

Maguire missed out against the Reds due to a slight knock, but the club captain is expected to be available for the team's next pre-season friendly against Melbourne Victory on Friday.

Tyrell Malacia has been the club's only signing thus far this summer, and the left-back made his debut in Tuesday's four-goal success over Jurgen Klopp's side.

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Written by
Matt Law

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Ajax's Lisandro Martinez serving jazz hands on February 25, 2021
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