Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez will have his ‘hopes pinned’ on a move to Manchester United this summer as they are dream club for him.
That’s according to the head of De Telegraaf’s sports section, Marcel van der Kraan, who says the player is high on Erik ten Hag’s wish list of signings.
Manchester United are yet to make any signings this summer, despite a belief inside and outside of Old Trafford that big changes are needed after a disastrous season last year.
That looks likely to change dramatically in the coming days, with Ten Hag moving quickly to secure signings from the Netherlands.
A deal for Feyenoord’s Tyrell Malacia is already in place after Manchester United moved quickly to secure him ahead of Lyon, while Martinez could follow.
He appeared set for a move to Arsenal before Manchester United appeared on the scene, with a €45-50m deal mooted in both England and the Netherlands.
That’s yet to get to the same stage as Malacia, but Van der Kraan expects that to change soon, predicting big developments within 48 hours.
“Martinez is very high on Erik ten Hag’s wishlist, so I expect big developments in the 24 or 48 hours,” he told De Telegraaf.
“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 €45-50m, but that is the advantage if two clubs bid, as we saw with Lyon and Manchester United, then it suddenly goes higher.”
As already mentioned, the defender had been set to move to Ligue 1 with Lyon before Manchester United showed their interest, trumping the French side’s bid in order to get their man.
It’s a tactic that has worked, with them now at the front of the queue for Malacia’s signature and deal looking likely.
That’s backed up by Van der Kraan, who has provided an update on contract talks and backed the player to be a big hit in England.
“The deal is done, and yesterday he spoke about his own terms,” he added.
“They were not so complicated because he already knew what he could earn at Lyon. Manchester United only had to go a little bit over that.
“I think he’s going to have a great time there because it’s obvious he’s a boy who is really made for English football with his dynamism, fierceness, and physical strength despite not being that tall. He really is a top boy.
“You all know that if Manchester United are in the market and you are a footballer, then yes, you go there and not Lyon.”
With those two deals now imminent, it’s likely Manchester United’s focus will quickly turn to Frenkie de Jong.
They have been locked in negotiations with Barcelona over the Dutch midfielder for several weeks, with both sides keen to get a deal done but on their own terms.
Reports in England and Spain have made it clear they are coming closer to an agreement on an asking price, with a previous €10m difference slowly being eradicated.
That’ll come as good news to Manchester United fans, who have been thrilled at the idea of the deal taking place since it was mooted as a possibility.
And, as with Martinez and Malacia, Van der Kraan has positive news on that front, too, believing a deal could be done next week.
“I think the deal will be done after the weekend,” he said.
“There is an agreement on the amount. It goes towards €80m, that starts with €65m, but there is also €20m in bonuses added.
“If you have that as the total picture, then Barcelona has all their money from Frenkie. The player has what he (Ten Hag) will build his whole team around.”
