Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is ‘really pushing’ to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: ‘Official proposal’

The Red Devils are finally making progress in the transfer market ahead of the 52-year-old's first season in charge at Old Trafford. United look set to sign Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia and have also reached a verbal agreement with free agent Christian Eriksen.

They also appear to be getting closer to agreeing a fee with Barcelona for priority target Frenkie de Jong and have recently made an ‘official proposal’ to Martinez.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Romano has now shed further light on the situation involving Martinez and Manchester United, claiming that the Argentine is well aware that Ten Hag ‘is really pushing’ to bring him to Old Trafford.

The Italian told GiveMeSport: “At the moment, the man who is pushing is Erik ten Hag and so this could be a factor. The player has not decided yet, but he knows that Erik ten Hag can be a factor. The player knows that Erik is really pushing to have him at Manchester United.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

Martinez was described as an "excellent player" by Ten Hag and was a regular under the Dutchman at the Johan Cruyff Arena last season prior to suffering a muscular injury in April.

He played his part in an Ajax team which conceded just 19 goals in 34 league games, whereas United had a season to forget at the back, shipping more goals than relegated Burnley.

Therefore, signing a tried and trusted defender under Ten Hag appears to be a no-brainer, especially with Martinez also able to cover at full-back and in midfield and being at the peak of his powers with a career-high £28.8m Transfermarkt valuation.