De Telegraaf say Manchester United ‘approach agreement’ after meeting Ajax for Lisandro Martinez

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Manchester United are nearing agreement over the signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf report this evening that United’s meeting with Ajax over the defender went positively.

The report states the meeting between club representatives lasted more than an hour, and says United are ‘one step closer’ to doing a deal.

Edwin van der Sar is said to have been involved with United ‘approaching agreement’ over the transfer, and he has helped speed the transfer up.

READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23

Ajax are looking for 55 million Euros, a fee of £46 million. It is unclear how much of this fee United are willing to pay up front, and what portion might be in add-ons. Ajax’s supervisory board will make the final decision to approve the transfer.

The Dutch side have conceded defeat over keeping Martinez, The Telegraph report, amid the defender’s desire to leave and play in the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag’s presence as Manchester United boss is the key factor in helping the Red Devils beat competition from Arsenal, who are a distant second in the race for the Argentina international.

Fabrizio Romano wrote on Twitter: “Lisandro Martínez to Manchester United, it’s imminent! Board mission in Amsterdam revealed yesterday is described as “positive, successful”.

He added that a deal could be done within the next 24-48 hours.

What else you need to know

Left-footer: Martinez is a left-footed defender, which could offer United extra balance at the back.

Ajax’s bargain: Ajax paid just £6.3 million to sign Martinez. Now they could sell him for four times the price.

No reds: Despite his ‘butcher of Amsterdam’ nickname, Martinez plays hard but fair. He has never been sent off for Ajax.

Vacant number: Martinez wears the number 21 shirt for Ajax, a number which is currently vacant at Manchester United.