Ajax set to reject Manchester United’s opening bid for Lisandro Martinez

Ajax will attempt to spark a further bidding war by rejecting Manchester United’s opening bid for Lisandro Martinez.

The Red Devils made a formal offer for the versatile 24-year-old defender on Saturday but, according to De Telegraaf, the Dutch giants are set to knock back that approach.

United are said to have offered €41 million with an additional €4m in bonuses but Ajax are holding out for closer to €50m.

Arsenal, meanwhile, maintain an interest in the player and have already seen three bids rejected with their latest offer of €35m plus €5m in add-ons still some way short of Ajax’s valuation.

Mikel Arteta wants to sign Martinez to act as cover for Gabriel Magalhaes and left-back Kieran Tierney who missed the run-in last season due to a serious knee injury.

Martinez, however, is said to prefer a move to Old Trafford where he would link up against with his former manager Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag has been forced to wait patiently to make additions to the squad he inherited from Ralf Rangnick.

'Better than McTominay & Fred' — Merson surprised Man Utd missed out on midfield signing

'Good riddance!' — Neil Warnock slams Chelsea and Manchester Utd flops

Manchester United agree personal terms with first summer signing imminent

United are hopeful of making significant progress in the next 10 days with finaling a move for Frenkie de Jong a priority.

The Red Devils also expect to confirm the signing of left-back Tyrell Malacia in the next 48 hours after they overcame a late complication.

Ten Hag is also keen to raid his former club for Brazil international winger Antony, while United are also waiting on Christian Eriksen’s decision over his future.

The Denmark international is considering a rival offer from Brentford, but his former club