Manchester United 'yet to meet Ajax's asking price for Lisandro Martinez'

The Red Devils are believed to be going head to head with Arsenal for the signature of the Argentina international, who is said to be determined to force a move to the Premier League this summer.

A recent report claimed that Man United had made a €50m (£42m) bid for the 24-year-old and were confident of reaching an agreement with Ajax over his signature.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the offer still does not meet the Dutch club's asking price, with negotiations surrounding the defender still ongoing.

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.

The South American was a vital player for his Dutch club last season, scoring once and providing four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions, and Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is said to be determined to bring his former player to Old Trafford in the current market.

Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan recently told De Telegraaf that Martinez was "very high" on Ten Hag's shortlist for summer targets.

"Martinez is very high on Erik ten Hag's wishlist." said Van der Kraan. "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."

Arsenal are already believed to have had two separate offers for the centre-back turned down, with the Gunners also unable to reach Ajax's asking price at this stage of the summer window.

Romano claims that Martinez is determined to force a move to the Premier League this summer, and both Man United and Arsenal are likely to be told Ajax's asking price over the next few days.

Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are all expected to remain at Old Trafford for the 2022-23 campaign, but Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones could be on their way out.

Bailly and Tuanzebe have both made the trip to Thailand for the start of Man United's pre-season tour, but it is understood that neither player is in the plans of Ten Hag for next season.

Martinez was initially signed by Ajax as a defensive midfielder before making his name as a defender, and at just 5ft 9in, he would be one of the smallest centre-backs in the Premier League.