Manchester United 'on verge of agreeing Lisandro Martinez deal'

Manchester United are allegedly closing in on a deal for Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the two clubs were due to meet on Wednesday with a view to potentially coming to an agreement over the 24-year-old.

According to Sky Sports News, the 20-time English champions are now close to finalising a deal for the Argentina international, with Ajax accepting that he will leave during this summer's transfer window.

The report claims that the structure of the payments are currently being discussed, while the defender has told the Dutch champions that he wants to move to Old Trafford in the current market.

Arsenal have also been strongly linked with the South American, but the Gunners have allegedly cooled their interest in recent days due to the cost of the deal.

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Ajax allegedly recently raised their asking price to €60m (£50.8m) for the centre-back, but Man United are thought to value him at around the €50m (£42m) mark.

There have been suggestions that the pair are prepared to meet in the middle, with Ajax potentially receiving their full asking price in future add-ons based on performances.

Martinez was a vital player for his Dutch club last season, scoring once and providing four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions, and he was allegedly quickly identified as a target upon Erik ten Hag's switch to Man United.

Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan recently told De Telegraaf: "Martinez is very high on Erik ten Hag's wishlist. Martinez will also have his hopes pinned on United, who are an absolute top club for him."

Martinez is only 5ft 9in, which would make him one of the smallest centre-backs in the Premier League, but there have been claims that he could play in midfield for the Red Devils.

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Italian journalist Romano claims that personal terms between the defender and Man United have already been agreed, with the player set to have a substantial increase on his current salary at Ajax.

Martinez could become Man United's second signing of the summer after Tyrell Malacia, who made his debut for the club in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Liverpool in a pre-season friendly.

Christian Eriksen is also said to be closing in on a switch to the Red Devils despite the recent delay, with the Denmark international yet to undergo a medical.

However, a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has seemingly stalled, with a recent report claiming that the Dutchman's agents have told the Catalan giants that he does not want to leave.

Man United will continue their preparations for the 2022-23 Premier League campaign with a friendly against Australian outfit Melbourne Victory on Friday.