BREAKING: Relief at Old Trafford as United finally close in on their top transfer target with final negotiations ready

The Red Devils are optimistic that a deal for their top transfer target Lisandro Martinez will be finalized today with a delegation of officials set to meet with Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar today for ‘final negotiations’ National Daily can confirm.

It was understood that he Dutch giants have turned down three bids from United for Martinez, with Ajax holding out for around £46m.

Meanwhile, National Daily gathered that Martinez is desperate to reunite with his former boss Ten Hag at Old Trafford club and has pleaded with his club to accept an offer in the last week by making it clear that he’s prepared to go on strike to force through a move.

It may be understood that Ajax had hoped to spark a bidding war with Arsenal, who had also submitted two bids for the Argentine.

But National Daily learnt from a report by the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, that Ajax now accept Martinez’s future at the club is over and they’re prepared to sell.

United’s last offer of around £43m was just £3m short of Ajax’s valuation for the player and the Red Devils are said to be ready to meet the asking price of around £46m.

That fee satisfies both parties, with Erik ten Hag desperate for Martinez at Old Trafford.

The left-footed Argentine has mostly played at centre-back for Ajax, but he’s adept at left-back and defensive midfield.

Martinez could join up on the Australia leg of United’s tour provided a deal goes through before the weekend, though it remains to be seen if Arsenal will make a late dash to match United’s offer.

United kicked off their pre-season with an impressive 4-0 win against Liverpool in Bangkok yesterday.

Goals from Fred, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellestri gave the Red Devils victory against their arch rivals.

Advertisement

United take on Melbourne Victory on Friday, with former Red Luis Nani hopeful of making his debut for the club against the Red Devils