Lisandro Martinez to Man Utd: Who are Premier League's smallest players? | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag has been keen to do a deal for the Argentine defender, whom he worked with during his time at Ajax.

United have made a few bids that have fallen just shy of Ajax’s £46m asking price.

But, according to Dutch outlet  De Telegraaf, United have not been deterred.

They report that the two clubs are set to meet on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the transfer, with United ready to meet Ajax’s valuation of the player.

Martinez is predominantly a centre-back who has made 120 appearances for Ajax over the last three seasons.

The Argentine, who has made seven appearances for his country, stands at just 175cm tall (5 foot 9 inches).

That is small for a centre-back. In fact, should he join United, he will become the smallest centre-back in the Premier League.

Amid Martinez’s potential move to United, we’ve named the smallest XI currently playing in England’s top tier, using data provided by Transfermarkt.

GK: David Raya | Brentford | 183cm (6 foot 0 inches)

RB: Tariq Lamptey | Brighton & Hove Albion | 164cm (5 foot 5 inches)

CB; Lisandro Martinez | Manchester United* | 175cm (5 foot 9 inches)

CB: Cesar Azpilicueta | Chelsea | 178cm (5 foot 10 inches)

LB: Tyrell Malacia | Manchester United | 169cm (5 foot 7 inches)

CDM: Lucas Torreira | Arsenal | 166cm (5 foot 6 inches)

CM: Manuel Lanzini | West Ham United | 167cm (5 foot 6 inches)

CM: Nampalys Mendy | Leicester City | 167cm (5 foot 6 inches)

LW: Ryan Fraser | Newcastle United | 163cm (5 foot 4 inches)

RW: Daniel Podence | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 165cm (5 foot 5 inches)

ST: Julian Alverez | Manchester City | 170cm (5 foot 7 inches)

While Martinez is short for a centre-back, the likes of Carles Puyol and Fabio Cannavaro have proven that height isn’t everything.

Both players weren’t huge in stature but were still able to cement themselves among the greatest defenders of all-time.

While Martinez is the smallest centre-back in the Premier League, he’s nowhere near being the smallest player in England’s top tier.

That honour goes to Fraser of Newcastle United, who is 1cm smaller than Brighton’s Lamptey.

Man City new boy Alvarez also makes the XI, standing at 170cm tall. He could form a devastating partnership with Erling Haaland, who is 24cm taller.

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