Manchester United's hopes of signing Lisandro Martinez this summer have been handed a big boost, with reports claiming that the Argentine defender has told Ajax he wants a move to the Premier League.

What's the word?

With a move for fellow Ajax defender Jurrien Timber seemingly no longer on the cards, Erik ten Hag has switched his attention to the Dutchman's centre-back partner, Martinez.

United have reportedly already made a £37m offer for the 24-year-old, who has been a key part of ten Hag's success at Ajax in recent seasons, and now it seems as if they could be reunited at Old Trafford.

The Evening Standard claims that Martinez has informed Ajax of his desire to play in England's top-flight amid interest from United and Arsenal, handing them a green light to make their move more concrete.

That said, the Eredivisie champions are under no pressure to lower their £45m asking price, after banking £50m from the sales of Ryan Gravenberch and Sebastien Haller to Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund respectively.

Supporters will be buzzing

There is no doubt that United need to improve defensively next season if they are to re-establish themselves in the Premier League's top four.

Last season saw the Red Devils ship 57 goals in the top-flight, more than relegated Burnley, so it is no surprise to see ten Hag targeting reinforcements at the back this summer, with Tyrell Malacia becoming the Dutch manager's first addition yesterday.

Since signing from Defensa y Justicia in 2019, Martinez has gone on to make 118 appearances for Ajax, in which he has contributed six goals and six assists, winning two leagues, two domestic cups and Ajax's player of the year last season, so ten Hag is clearly going to be a big fan of the defender.

The new United boss sang the Argentine's praises last year, saying: “He is a defender who likes to play football forward. I find Lisandro Martinez an excellent player, he is actually starting material and this is why I talk with him a lot."

 

Therefore, he is clearly a player that ten Hag loves and fans will be delighted to hear that he is keen on swapping the Netherlands for England this summer.

And, in other news... “It’s true..”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge MUFC transfer claim, supporters will love it