United closing in on centre back who’s only 5ft 9in!
LISANDRO Martinez is closing on a £ 46million move from Ajax to Manchester United. Ajax rejected an offer of £42.5m including add- ons last week but are willing to accept a new bid following lengthy talks yesterday.
Argentina defender Martinez made it clear to the Ajax board that he wished to leave once he became aware of interest from Arsenal then United. He has a strong relationship with United boss Erik ten Hag and the two have spoken in recent weeks.
Martinez was Ajax’s player of the year last season as Ten Hag delivered the Dutch league title prior to his departure. Indeed, the 23-year-old defender, whose idol is former United defender Gabriel Heinze, has won three league titles since joining Ajax in 2019.
Though not the tallest centre back at just 5ft 9in, Martinez reads the game well, is good in one-onone situations and an astute passer of the ball. A fans’ favourite in Amsterdam, he can play at centre back, left back or as a holding midfielder, where former United defender Jaap Stam believes he could excel.
‘ What’s important is that a defender is clever,’ said Stam. ‘Lisandro has developed that. But because he is comfortable on the ball he can also play in front of the defence. And I don’t rule out that Ten Hag will use him there.’
United have six senior defenders and hope to sell up to three with Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly the most likely. Bailly has interest from Napoli but was impressive against Liverpool on Tuesday and has indicated he wants to fight for his place.
He has looked to leave in recent seasons as he believed he was never given a fair chance though injuries hindered his progress.
United have flown 19-year- old Will Fish to Melbourne for the second leg of the tour to provide cover at centre half as Tuanzebe has returned home and full back Alex Telles was forced to play in central defence against Liverpool.
United’s efforts to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona continue to drag on despite chief executive Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough meeting Barcelona officials this week. The Netherlands midfielder wants the £ 17m- plus he is owed after agreeing to defer wages due to the Covid pandemic.
United are hoping to complete a deal for Christian Eriksen this week and have held talks with Ajax over Antony but the winger’s £68m valuation is prohibitive.
United continue to insist Cristiano Ronaldo is not leaving but it is still unclear if he will join up for the Australian leg of the tour.