Manchester United have held ‘initial talks’ over a move for Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Martinez profiled

The 24-year-old is primarily a centre-back but can also line out as a left-back or as a holding midfielder. The Argentina international has been with Ajax since 2019 and made 120 appearances under Erik ten Hag in Amsterdam.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Martinez, who appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high £28.8m Transfermarkt valuation, but it looks as if United are looking to pip the Gunners to a summer move.

The Latest: Sheth’s comments

Sheth provided a Manchester United transfer update live on Sky Sports on Tuesday, sharing information that he has been ‘told’.

He revealed that ‘Ten Hag is looking at some Ajax players’ and that ‘initial talks’ over a move for Martinez have taken place.

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The Verdict: Shrewd move

Ten Hag would know what he is getting with a swoop for Martinez and how to get the best out of the South American, should a move to Old Trafford materialise for the Argentine.

The United boss mainly used the 5 foot 7 defender as a centre-back in the Netherlands, but the player could also provide an option at full-back and in front of a back four, something which could prove priceless as the season goes on, depending on squad availability.

It looks as if United are keen to bring Martinez to England alongside priority target Frenkie de Jong, so this could be one to keep a close eye upon over the coming weeks.