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Manchester United can sign defender for €55 million transfer fee

By Sourav Mahanty

Manchester United's manager Erik Ten Hag makes his way towards the hotel upon team's arrival in Melbourne on July 13, 2022, ahead of their exhibition football match against Melbourne Victory. - -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United's manager Erik Ten Hag makes his way towards the hotel upon team's arrival in Melbourne on July 13, 2022, ahead of their exhibition football match against Melbourne Victory. - -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images) /
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One area where Manchester United need to improve this summer is their defence. It was a major point of weakness for the Red Devils last season. While Raphael Varane was not able to hit the heights that he was expected to after joining from Real Madrid, the likes of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw seemed to take several steps back after a promising 2020/21 campaign.

Thus, do not be surprised to see Erik ten Hag looking to bring in reinforcements at the back. In fact, it has already started, with the Red Devils signing Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. And now, it looks like they could be closing in on another defender.

The player in question is Lisandro Martinez of Ajax. He was a standout under the management of Ten Hag and it looks like the Dutchman is keen on a reunion.

As reported by De Telegraaf, Ajax are now prepared to talk about the transfer of Martinez. Manchester United’s offer of €45 million plus €5 million in bonuses is approaching the Dutch giants’ minimum asking price of €55 million.

Manchester United handed boost in chase for Martinez

Martinez is a man in demand this summer. Arsenal have also been heavily linked with the defender but now, it looks like Manchester United are leading the race to sign him.

Martinez has been a standout for Ajax and has represented the Argentine national team on multiple occasions as well.

Thus, if Manchester United are able to sign the Ajax star this summer, it would be considered a major coup, especially because of the fact that Ten Hag already knows how to get the best out of him.

At the same time though, there will be question marks about his size and whether he would be able to cope with the physicality of the Premier League. Martinez is 5′ 9″ and would become the shortest centre-back in the English top flight, if he does end up at Manchester United.

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