Erik ten Hag identifies Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez as Man United transfer target

Martinez could cost Man United €30m

Erik ten Hag has identified Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez as a potential transfer target for Manchester United, according to reports. The new Red Devils manager reportedly wants to sign at least four players this summer and is interested in taking the Ajax player with him to Old Trafford.

Ten Hag wants to bring Lisandro Martinez to Man United

According to The Telegraph, the Dutch coach wants to sign a central defender and has identified Martinez as a potential option to help fix what has been a problem position for the Red Devils. The new Man United manager knows Martinez well from their time together at Ajax, and believes he has the qualities necessary to thrive in the Premier League. Ten Hag is said to want to sign a central defender who is quick, comfortable defending in one v one scenarios and adept at passing out from the back. Martinez, who is five foot nine, ticks all boxes and is familiar with Ten Hag's approach. He can also play in central midfield. The defender, who has three years left on his contract, could cost Man United €30m. Martinex joined Ajax from Defensa y Justicia in 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s7BrRsWGLs&t=71s The attributes that Ten Hag values in a central defender could raise questions about Harry Maguire's role in the team. The England defender is a strong passer and has excelled in a back-three at international level. Maguire, however, has struggled at times in a back four for Man United this season, particularly in one v one situations. Ten Hag will also have Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly to call upon in central defence next season. Phil Jones is expected to leave the club this summer. https://twitter.com/UtdDistrict/status/1526867604501319681

Ten Hag's Man United transfer plans.

Elsewhere, the Dutch coach has reportedly targetted two new central midfielders and a striker as he seeks to rebuild the Man United squad. Man United have been linked with a move for Frenkie de Jong, with Barcelona possibly open to selling the Dutch midfielder this summer. With Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata all set to leave Old Trafford this summer on free transfers, United will be short of options in central midfield.