Manchester United 'on verge of confirming Lisandro Martinez deal'

The 20-time English champions are believed to have met with Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday in the hope of coming to an agreement over a deal for the Argentina international.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the move to take the centre-back to Old Trafford has now been completed, with the club set to announce his signature in the near future.

The journalist claims that Man United will pay Ajax a package of up to €55m (£46.6m) for the 24-year-old, who will sign a five-year contract with Erik ten Hag's side.

Romano claims that Ten Hag's presence at Old Trafford was a 'big factor' in the Red Devils winning the race, with Arsenal also believed to have made an attempt to sign him in the current market.

Martinez was a key player for his Dutch club last season, scoring once and providing four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.

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."

He has played 120 times for Ajax since arriving at the club from Defensa y Justicia in 2019, helping the team win back-to-back league titles and the KNVB Cup.

At 5ft 9in, Martinez would be one of the smallest centre-backs in the Premier League, but there have been suggestions that he could also be used as a defensive midfielder by Ten Hag next term.

Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire are all expected to stay at Old Trafford this summer, but Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones could be on their way out before the end of the window.

Neither Tuanzebe nor Jones are with the Man United squad in Australia, but Bailly is present, and the Ivory Coast international featured in the second half of Tuesday's 4-0 win over Liverpool in Thailand.

Tyrell Malacia has been the team's only signing thus far this summer, but a deal for free agent Christian Eriksen is believed to be close to completion.

Man United have also allegedly agreed a deal with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong, but the Netherlands international is yet to be convinced to make the move to Old Trafford.

Martinez could potentially fly out to Australia to train with his new teammates ahead of their matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa on July 19 and July 23 respectively.