Atletico Madrid eyeing deal for Man Utd defender

Atletico Madrid have emerged as potential candidates to sign Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez at the start of the year.

The Argentine recently criticised the club's hierarchy in a public interview, and this has increased speculation over his future at the club.

His current deal expires in June next year, and United are yet to trigger an extension clause to keep him for another 12 months. 

Amidst this, it is claimed that Atletico are keeping a close eye on his situation and could contemplate an approach as early as January.

The La Liga giants signed Martinez's compatriot Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur last summer and could now seek his services.

Romero shares a close bond with Martinez in the national team, and he could play a huge role in bringing him to the Spanish capital.

The Red Devils signed Martinez from Ajax for around £57m, but they will obviously need to cut their losses for a winter departure.