MX23RW : Saturday, February 8 06:03:42| >> :120:10040:10040:

Manchester United 'yet to meet Ajax's asking price for Lisandro Martinez'

Man United 'yet to meet Ajax's asking price for Martinez'
© Reuters
Manchester United are yet to meet Ajax's asking price for central defender Lisandro Martinez, according to a report.

Manchester United have reportedly still not met Ajax's asking price for central defender Lisandro Martinez despite placing a €50m (£42m) offer on the table.

The Red Devils are believed to be going head to head with Arsenal for the signature of the Argentina international, who is said to be determined to force a move to the Premier League this summer.

A recent report claimed that Man United had made a €50m (£42m) bid for the 24-year-old and were confident of reaching an agreement with Ajax over his signature.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the offer still does not meet the Dutch club's asking price, with negotiations surrounding the defender still ongoing.

Martinez has played 120 times for Ajax since arriving in Amsterdam from Defensa y Justicia in 2019, helping the club win back-to-back league titles and the KNVB Cup.

Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez in action for Argentina in February 2022© Reuters

The South American was a vital player for his Dutch club last season, scoring once and providing four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions, and Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is said to be determined to bring his former player to Old Trafford in the current market.

Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan recently told De Telegraaf that Martinez was "very high" on Ten Hag's shortlist for summer targets.

"Martinez is very high on Erik ten Hag's wishlist." said Van der Kraan. "Martinez will also have his hopes pinned on United, who are an absolute top club for him.

"Ajax will really cash out for Martinez and go to €45m (£38.7m)-€50m (£43m), but that is the advantage if two clubs bid, as we saw with Lyon and Manchester United, then it suddenly goes higher."

Arsenal are already believed to have had two separate offers for the centre-back turned down, with the Gunners also unable to reach Ajax's asking price at this stage of the summer window.

Lisandro Martinez warms up for Ajax on December 9, 2020© Reuters

Romano claims that Martinez is determined to force a move to the Premier League this summer, and both Man United and Arsenal are likely to be told Ajax's asking price over the next few days.

Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are all expected to remain at Old Trafford for the 2022-23 campaign, but Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones could be on their way out.

Bailly and Tuanzebe have both made the trip to Thailand for the start of Man United's pre-season tour, but it is understood that neither player is in the plans of Ten Hag for next season.

Martinez was initially signed by Ajax as a defensive midfielder before making his name as a defender, and at just 5ft 9in, he would be one of the smallest centre-backs in the Premier League.

ID:489750:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5269:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Fabrizio Romano

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez in action for Argentina in February 2022
Read Next:
Man United 'make improved £42m offer for Lisandro Martinez'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool23175156213556
2Arsenal24148249222750
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest24145540271347
4Chelsea24127547311643
5Manchester CityMan City24125748351341
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle24125742291341
7Bournemouth24117641281340
8Aston Villa2410773437-337
9Fulham249963632436
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2481063538-334
11Brentford2494114242031
12Crystal Palace247982830-230
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd2485112834-629
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs24831348371127
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham2476112946-1727
16Everton236892328-526
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2454153452-1819
18Leicester CityLeicester2445152553-2817
19Ipswich TownIpswich2437142249-2716
20Southampton2423191854-369


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!