Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United put in a €50m (£42.2m) bid for Lisandro Martinez, with Erik ten Hag really pushing to sign the defender.
Earlier in July, The Athletic revealed that the Red Devils were in ‘advanced negotiations ‘ with Ajax as they looked to sort a move for the centre-back.
At the time, it was claimed that the Dutch outfit wanted a price in the region of €50m (£42.4m) for their man, though Romano has now stated that a bid of that figure has been rejected – but that hasn’t been enough to deter Ten Hag.
Indeed, while speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalist said: “After some checks I had during the weekend, guys – yes, it’s true. Man United made the new proposal – €50m for Lisandro.
“But at the moment, they have still no agreement with Ajax, so they still need to negotiate. Erik ten Hag is pushing and pushing on [the] player’s side, on [the] club’s side, because he wants Lisandro Martinez.
“He considers Lisandro the perfect player for his project. At the moment, still no agreement between clubs. Ajax are trying to keep the player but Man United will insist again; will try to push again.
“We will see what happens, but Man United are serious for Lisandro.”
Will Lisandro Martinez end up at Manchester United?
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TIF Thoughts Lisandro Martinez and Man United…
It looks as though United are now truly in a bidding war with Arsenal for the centre-back, with the Gunners bidding an initial €40m (£33.7m) back in June.
Ajax, however, seem to be content to let the figure rise and rise, as Romano now has confirmed that even a €50m bid for the player wasn’t enough to reach an agreement.
And with Ten Hag apparently so keen to land the defender who he views as ‘perfect’ for his project, the Red Devils seem likely to come in with an even bigger offer soon enough.