Man Utd have made 'proposal' for 179-game star at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United are currently holding talks with Ajax over a deal for Lisandro Martinez but face a “battle” for the defender’s signature, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Erik ten Hag is yet to complete any transfer business since replacing Ralf Rangnick at the end of last season, but he is trying to make the Argentina international one of his first additions as Red Devils’ boss.

What’s the latest news involving Martinez?

Following their wretched defensive record last term, which saw them concede 57 goals in the top-flight, the Dutchman is starting his summer business with additions at the back.

United are closing in on the signing of Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, while Ten Hag is hoping to reunite with Martinez at Old Trafford.

But United face competition from Arsenal, who’ve previously had a bid rejected for the versatile ace.

According to the Mirror, Klass-Jan Huntelaar, Ajax’s director of football, spent Saturday in London with United officials, with the Red Devils now in pole position to sign the 24-year-old, who’s valued at £43m by the Eredivisie outfit.

The report adds that talks were successful with a positive feeling from both parties that a deal can be ironed out before Friday, so that Martinez can fly out with the rest of the squad for their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia.

What did Romano say about Martinez?

He told GIVEMESPORT: “United are already having conversations with Ajax with a proposal made a few days ago, so it’s a battle at the moment for Lisandro.”

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Why does Ten Hag want Martinez?

United were poor at the back last season, conceding more goals than rivals Liverpool and Manchester City combined (52), so Ten Hag is clearly hoping to get players on board he can trust.

Martinez was brought to Dutch football by the United boss in 2019 and has gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the Amsterdam giants under the 52-year-old’s guidance.

But while he’s predominantly a centre-back, he can also play at left-back and further forward in a defensive-minded midfield role, which could prove helpful to United following the departures of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba.

Furthermore, last season, Martinez’s WhoScored rating was an impressive 7.60, which was not only better than anyone in the entire United squad, but the fifth-best in the whole of the Dutch top-flight, while he offers experience having made 177 club appearances overall.