KEY POINTS

  • Erik ten Hag wants to sign two Ajax players
  • Man Utd are also trying to sign Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong
  • Man Utd did not win a single title last season

Manchester United are reportedly in advance talks with Ajax over the transfer of defender Lisandro Martinez in the ongoing summer window.

Manchester United are expected to reach an agreement with Ajax as early as Thursday and secure a deal for Martinez, BBC Sport reported.

Martinez is pushing for a move to Manchester United, who are set to pay around $60 million, including the add-ons, for the center-back.

A meeting between the two clubs will take place in Amsterdam on Thursday, after which, the Red Devils will begin salary negotiations with Martinez, according to Fabrizio Romano, who has a credible record in the European transfer market.

Martinez's arrival at Old Trafford could be a boon to new manager Erik ten Hag, who was the player's manager at Ajax in the past and the two share a fine relationship. Despite not being that tall, Martinez has a big leap and anticipates challenges early. Last season, he won 3.3 aerial duels per game, which is way more than any Manchester United player, according to WhoScored.

The Red Devils' defense issues were exposed last campaign when Manchester United failed to win a single title. Martinez's style is more like Sergio Ramos and could complement Raphael Varane, bringing more balance to the team's defense.

Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane of Manchester United celebrates at full-time following the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on August 29, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Martinez made 120 appearances for Ajax across three seasons.

The 24-year-old could become Manchester United's second signing under Ten Hag, after the arrival of Tyrell Malacia on a four-year deal from Feyenoord. Meanwhile, the Old Trafford side is yet to confirm that Denmark's Christian Eriksen has signed his contract.

It has been reported that Manchester United are still on with their pursuit of FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Red Devils had even sent two senior officials to Barcelona earlier this week to secure a deal for the Dutchman.

Manchester United are also interested in signing Martinez's teammate Antony as Ten Hag has been pushing the club to secure deals for the Ajax duo.

It was reported earlier that Ajax rejected Manchester United's opening bid for Antony. The Old Trafford side approached Ajax with a $61 million offer for Antony, but the Eredivisie champions wanted at least $81 million.

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