Man Utd on verge of £46m Lisandro Martinez transfer after reaching breakthrough in talks with Ajax

MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on completing a £46million deal for Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

The 24-year-old Argentine spent three seasons playing under new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag during his time at the Eredivisie champions.

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And now SunSport understands that United are close to finalising Martinez's transfer to Old Trafford.

The Premier League giants are thought to have made a breakthrough in their talks with Ajax.

It comes after they previously offered £42m for the defender - just shy of the Dutch side's asking price.

Now it would appear a deal has been struck for £46m as Martinez prepares to challenge Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly for a place in United's starting line-up.

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He is best-known for having a superb leap, an aggressive mentality and being adept in one-on-one duels.

Man Utd were also interested in bringing Martinez's team-mate Jurrien Timber to Old Trafford.

But according to , Ajax are not willing to sell both this summer.

And another Ajax man has also been on United's radar, with forward Antony talked up as a potential target.

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However, the Dutch side's £68m valuation remains a sticking point.

Ten Hag has already secured his first signing of the summer in Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia.

And they have also agreed a deal for free agent Christian Eriksen after he decided to join United instead of a permanent deal at Brentford.

There are concerns that Cristiano Ronaldo could leave this summer after he stated his intention to depart Old Trafford.

However, Ten Hag claimed earlier this week that the Portuguese forward is not for sale.

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When quizzed on Ronaldo's future, the Dutch coach said: “We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that's it and I'm looking forward to working with him.

“I have read things but what I say is Cristiano is not for sale, he is in our plans and we want success together.”

Meanwhile, Man Utd kicked off life under Ten Hag in impressive fashion by beating Liverpool 4-0 in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.