Man Utd expected to make bid for Lisandro Martinez

Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan has backed Manchester United to beat Arsenal in the race to sign Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentine has emerged as a top defensive target for the Gunners this month, and they have already made two bids on the table.

Ajax have yet to respond to their second offer of around €40m, but Van der Kraan believes Martinez has his sights on joining United.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Van de Kraan revealed that the 24-year-old is 'very high' on the transfer shortlist of manager Erik ten Hag.

He added that the player would also fancy joining the Red Devils, and he expects big developments over the next 24 or 48 hours.

United have largely focused on signing Frenkie de Jong this month, and there are claims that his arrival could be confirmed by the weekend.

The club are also on the cusp of landing Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, and they could now step up their pursuit to sign Martinez from Ajax.

Ten Hag knows him well, having managed him at the Amsterdam outfit for the past three campaigns. Martinez was the Player of the Year last term.