Manchester United are reportedly planning a £40m bid for Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
The 24-year-old was in impressive form for his Dutch club during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring once and providing four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.
Martinez still has more than three years left to run on his contract in Amsterdam, but there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks, with Ajax facing a battle to keep hold of him.
Arsenal are said to be keen on the Argentina international, while there has been talk of interest from Man United due to the presence of Erik ten Hag, who managed the centre-back last term.
According to talkSPORT, the 20-time English champions are currently lining up a £40m offer for the defender in the hope of bringing him to Old Trafford for the 2022-23 campaign.
The report claims that Arsenal have already made two offers for the defender, and their latest bid of £35m remains on the table, with Ajax yet to turn it down.
Ten Hag is believed to be attracted by Martinez's versatility, with the South American also capable of playing at left-back and in central midfield.
Martinez has won two Eredivisie titles and one Dutch Cup during his time at Ajax, making 118 appearances for the club since arriving from Defensa y Justica in 2019.
A recent report claimed that the centre-back is tempted by a move to the Premier League this summer despite being happy at his current club.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Man United want to sign Martinez, Antony and Jurrien Timber from Ajax during this summer's transfer window.
"It is important to clarify that Man United are focused on Frenkie de Jong and in direct talks with Barcelona, but they are also negotiating for other players. The club is active on multiple deals, including discussions with Ajax on Timber, Lisandro Martinez (but Arsenal are also working for the Argentine centre-back) and Antony," Romano wrote in his column for CaughtOffside.
Meanwhile, Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan has claimed that Ajax have "no need to sell anymore players" this summer and any deal for Martinez would be "expensive".
"He (Martinez) is an expensive one because Ajax are demanding £45m-£50m for this player. Ajax have no need to sell anymore players," Van der Kraan told Sky Sports News.
Man United are said to be closing in on a double deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia.
The 20-time English champions have also been credited with an interest in Villarreal's Pau Torres as a potential centre-back addition this summer, but talk of a move for the Spain international has quietened in recent weeks. body check tags ::
