Manchester United 'to open contract talks with Lisandro Martinez in July'

Manchester United are reportedly planning to open contract discussions with Lisandro Martinez in July, with the club looking to reward the centre-back for a strong first season at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal during last summer's transfer window, but Man United ultimately won the race to sign the Argentina international, who followed head coach Erik ten Hag from Ajax to Manchester.

The defender has enjoyed an impressive first campaign at Old Trafford, featuring on 45 occasions in all competitions, scoring once in the process.

Martinez saw his season come to an end when he suffered a metatarsal fracture during the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla in the middle of April.

Initially, there had been fears that the World Cup winner had ruptured his Achilles, which would have kept him on the sidelines until at least the end of 2023.

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However, it was confirmed in the days after the injury that he had fractured his metatarsal - a less serious problem than an Achilles rupture - and the centre-back is already back at the club's Carrington training complex.

Martinez is set to be fit for the start of the team's pre-season next month, which will see them head to the USA for friendlies against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

The South American penned a five-year contract at Old Trafford upon his arrival, with the option of a further year, but there have recently been claims that Man United are keen to improve his terms to reflect his importance to the team.

According to the Daily Mail, the 20-time English champions are planning to open contract talks with Martinez during the club's pre-season tour of the USA.

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There had been claims that there could be discussions this month, but the club are currently focusing on a potential new deal for goalkeeper David de Gea, while there is still huge uncertainty surrounding the ownership situation at Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be in pole position to complete a takeover from the Glazers, but Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has also put an offer on the table.

The club had been expected to have named a preferred bidder at this stage of proceedings, but the takeover process has stalled over the last couple of weeks.

Man United are preparing for a busy summer, with a new centre-forward their priority, but Ten Hag also wants a centre-back and central midfielder to boost his squad for the 2023-24 campaign, which will see the Red Devils return to the Champions League.