Man Utd want to sign Argentine star by Thursday

Manchester United want to secure the services of Lisandro Martinez before their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

The Ajax defender has recently emerged as their top target, and De Telegraaf claims that they are edging closer to signing him.

United recently made an opening offer of around €45m, but the proposal remains short of the €50m price tag set by Ajax.

Despite this, United are pushing to sign Martinez by July 7. Ajax are willing to co-operate so long as their valuation is fully met.

Arsenal have also been linked with the 24-year-old over the past few weeks, but have yet to come close to Ajax's asking price.

Their latest bid stands at around €35m. It remains to be seen whether they are willing to match United's proposal in the coming days.

Martinez is said to prefer a move to the Premier League with either club, but United may have the edge due to manager Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag coached the central defender at Ajax for three seasons. Martinez is said to fancy a reunion with the Dutch tactician this summer.