Man United submit opening bid for Lisandro Martinez and defender wants Ten Hag reunion

Premier League rivals Arsenal are also interested in the versatile Argentine, but it is believed the 24-year-old is keen to reunited with his former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have already made two offers for Martinez and are awaiting a response from the Dutch club after tabling a second bid worth £35m.

The defender has made more than 100 appearances for Eredivise champions Ajax, showing his versatility by playing in four different positions since joining them from Defensa y Justicia in 2019.

He predominantly played as a centre-back last season despite being just 5ft 9in, but can also play at left-back, right-back, and as a defensive midfielder.

New United boss Ten Hag worked with him during his time in the Netherlands and is one of the many Ajax stars linked with a move to join him in Manchester.

The pair have won back-to-back titles together and the Dutch boss is said to be a big admire.

Ten Hag highlighted his ability to play in various positions when there were reports that left-back Nicolas Tagliafico nearly left Ajax two years ago.

The new United boss said: "In preparation, I will try Lisandro Martínez in that position. He has also played in midfield for us, but he is a defender."

"I find Lisandro Martinez an excellent player, he is actually starting material and this is why I talk with him a lot," he added.

"But he has a lot of competition with Daley Blind, Tagliafico and [Ryan] Gravenberch. I can only start 11 players."