Manchester United prepare bid to target Arsenal after Ajax star’s indifference shocks Ten Hag

Manchester United are preparing an opening bid for Ajax star and Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez after team-mate Jurrien Timber rejected the offer.

New manager Erik Ten Hag identified young Dutch defender Timber as his preferred option to strengthen United’s defence, but at the age of 20 he moved to Old Trafford and was shocked when he refused.

Since Dutch coach Louis van Gaal was involved in the decision, Timber was warned by his former boss that he would not be able to play for the World Cup team this winter without a regular game.

However, United are ready to quickly move on from that rejection and shift their focus from Ajax Player of the Year to Player of the Year.

DeTelegraf’s Mike Vervey says United are currently preparing the Argentinian centre-back’s versatile multiplayer offer from Ajax, which is also sought by Arsenal.

Ten Hag is familiar with a 24-year-old and has been training for the last three years and finds him ideal for the style of play he wants to establish at Old Trafford.

Martinez’s versatility is another big selling point, and Argentina can also play as a defensive midfielder and left back.

Also attractive to Mikel Arteta is the ability to play in many positions, and “Metope” is ready to fight against “Unidos” and win multiplicity.

The defenders have never made a formal offer but have established contact with the Ajax hierarchy and are willing to pay around €30m ($8.25.8m) and are ready for a formal offer to be shown.

However, the Eredivisie champions are reluctant to sell Martinez, with both Arsenal and United needing to accept too good an offer to decline to win the team.

After taking over at Old Trafford, Ten Hag is yet to sign, Frenkie de Jong’s Barcelona contract is still stalled and Christian Eriksen is keen to stay in London.

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