Erik ten Hag 'confident of bringing Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United'

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is reportedly becoming increasingly confident of bringing Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old was a vital player for his Dutch club last season, scoring once and providing four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.

Martinez is widely expected to leave Ajax this summer, with the Argentina international said to be determined to secure a move to the Premier League; Arsenal continue to be heavily linked with the centre-back, while Man United are also firmly in the hunt for his services.

The Red Devils are believed to have recently submitted a £39.6m offer for Martinez, with Ajax receiving £35.3m up front under the proposed agreement, with a further £4.3m in guaranteed add-ons.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the defender's representatives have made it clear to the Ajax board that he only wants to move to the Premier League this summer.

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Romano claims that Ten Hag, who worked with Martinez in Amsterdam, is confident that the 20-time English champions will win the race for his signature.

Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan recently said that Man United were now in pole position for the South American despite Arsenal's interest, with the Gunners thought to have had two offers rejected.

"Martinez is very high on Erik ten Hag's wishlist, so I expect big developments in the 24 or 48 hours," he told De Telegraaf. "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."

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 in 2021.

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Ten Hag is believed to view the South American as primarily a central defender, but he is capable of playing at left-back and in central midfield, with his versatility making him an even more attractive proposition.

Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane are both due back with Man United this week for pre-season training, while Victor Lindelof has been with the group over the last week.

The trio are all expected to stay at Old Trafford this summer, but Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe could be on their way out before the end of the transfer window.

There is also currently huge uncertainty surrounding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Portugal international reportedly telling Ten Hag's side that he wants to leave the club this summer.

Man United will fly out to Thailand on Friday for their pre-season tour, with their opening match of the summer coming against Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12.