2 years ago
Manchester United agree personal terms with Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who is ready to depart this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign Lisandro Martinez. The Ajax centre-back has emerged as the top defensive target for coach Erik ten Hag, and it appears the club’s representatives are currently in Amsterdam, in an attempt to reach an agreement with Ajax. Manchester United have already agreed personal terms with Martinez, who is prepared to leave in the summer, in order to take the next step in his career. But Ajax are not willing to sell him on a cut-price deal, having rejected Manchester United’s €50 million bid last week. A product of the Newell Old Boys’, the same academy that produced a certain Lionel Messi, Martinez has enjoyed seamless success since his move to Ajax in the summer of 2019. During his three years at the club, he has racked up 118 competitive appearances, establishing himself as one of the best performers for Ajax in the process. Martinez might not be the most imposing future, standing at 1.75m. But he makes up for his lack of height, with his ability to read the game and stay on top of the opponent at all times. The Argentine international offers an incredible defensive work ethic as well and is willing to commit himself to any challenge. Embed from Getty Images Such qualities have made the 24-year-old an ideal target for Manchester United, who have appeared quite unlucky in the market so far. The Red Devils have identified Frenkie de Jong as their priority target this summer, but the move for the Barcelona superstar appears unlikely. The club have explored the possibility to sign other players as well, but have only ended up signing Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. However, with just a month remaining before the new season gets underway, the Premier League giants are now pushing ahead with their top targets, which include Lisandro Martinez. With Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof both struggling with form, Erik ten Hag considers the addition of the 24-year-old Argentine international a necessary step in the club’s bid to resolve the defensive issues heading into the new season. Martinez can offer excellent competition in the defensive unit and potentially create a formidable partnership alongside Raphael Varane next season. With personal terms now agreed with Martinez and Ajax reportedly open to a sale, Manchester United could be closing in on the second signing of the summer.
Manchester United 'agree personal terms' with Lisandro Martinez and Antony plus more rumours
© Peter Lous/Soccrates/Getty Images Antony and Lisandro Martinez celebrate an Ajax goal Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Ajax duo Lisandro Martinez and Antony. MEN Sport understands that both men are being targeted by Erik ten Hag this summer having created a good relationship with the pair at the Amsterdam club. Jurrien Timber had been another of Ten Hag's previous targets but he is believed to be unsure of a move away from the Eredivisie during a World Cup year. According to the Daily Record, Martinez and Antony have come to an agreement over a deal and the two clubs must now come together to organise fees for the pair. Video: Royal Blue: Newcastle United 'Make Contact' Over £35m Anthony Gordon Move (Liverpool Echo) Royal Blue: Newcastle United 'Make Contact' Over £35m Anthony Gordon Move SHARE SHARE TWEET SHARE EMAIL Click to expand UP NEXT ALSO READ: Brentford still hopeful of re-signing Eriksen Elsewhere, United are reportedly maintaining an interest in signing Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans. CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs (via Football.London) claims that United are thought to be keeping a close eye on Tielemans' availability. However, the Belgian is not overly convinced about a move to Manchester. It is reported that should Arsenal make a move for the midfielder, Tielemans would be inclined to join the Gunners. They add that he is 'sold' on a move to north London. READ NEXT:
Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Lisandro Martinez £42m deal AGREED, Eriksen to sign THIS WEEK, Frenkie de Jong WANTS to join
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