Manchester United could look to hijack Arsenal’s move for Lisandro Martinez, report Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
United are ‘preparing an offer’ for the Argentine defender, the newspaper claim.
Earlier today we listed Martinez as a possible target for United after missing out on Jurrien Timber.
The Guardian report Timber is set to stay at Ajax, amid concerns over his World Cup place, after being warned by former United boss Louis van Gaal.
United ‘preparing offer for Lisandro Martinez’
The Telegraph reported last month that Manchester United were keen on Lisandro Martinez.
The defender, 24, was signed by Erik ten Hag for Ajax in 2019 as a replacement for Matthijs de Ligt.
He played a key role in their Eredivisie title victory last season, making 31 starts in their league campaign.
A move for Martinez could cost United in the region of £35 million. De Telegraaf report Arsenal are keen, but are not prepared to meet Ajax’s asking price.
United are looking at options to strengthen the defence after conceding 58 goals in 38 Premier League games last season.
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.