Man Utd have made 'proposal' for 179-game star at Old Trafford

Manchester United are currently holding talks with Ajax over a deal for Lisandro Martinez but face a “battle” for the defender’s signature, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Erik ten Hag is yet to complete any transfer business since replacing Ralf Rangnick at the end of last season, but he is trying to make the Argentina international one of his first additions as Red Devils’ boss.

Following their wretched defensive record last term, which saw them concede 57 goals in the top-flight, the Dutchman is starting his summer business with additions at the back.

United are closing in on the signing of Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, while Ten Hag is hoping to reunite with Martinez at Old Trafford.

But United face competition from Arsenal, who’ve previously had a bid rejected for the versatile ace.

According to the Mirror, Klass-Jan Huntelaar, Ajax’s director of football, spent Saturday in London with United officials, with the Red Devils now in pole position to sign the 24-year-old, who’s valued at £43m by the Eredivisie outfit.

The report adds that talks were successful with a positive feeling from both parties that a deal can be ironed out before Friday, so that Martinez can fly out with the rest of the squad for their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “United are already having conversations with Ajax with a proposal made a few days ago, so it’s a battle at the moment for Lisandro.”

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United were poor at the back last season, conceding more goals than rivals Liverpool and Manchester City combined (52), so Ten Hag is clearly hoping to get players on board he can trust.

Martinez was brought to Dutch football by the United boss in