Manchester United To COMPLETE Deal For Lisandro Martinez On Thursday

Manchester United are very close to agreeing a deal with Ajax for the signing of Lisandro Martinez, with an agreement expected to be made on Thursday.

That is according to Mike Verweij, the extremely reliable Dutch journalist, who reports that the deal, which is now worth close to €55 million, is almost done.

Fabrizio Romano supported this report, by saying that the deal is 'imminent'.

The Italian football journalist added that the two clubs had a long meeting on Wednesday before coming to an agreement for 'more than €50 million', with final talks expected tomorrow.

He, however, said that the Reds expect to complete the deal within the next two days.

Verweij's aforementioned report adds multiple different aspects to do with the deal.

Firstly, it highlights that former Manchester United goalkeeper, and current Ajax chief executive, Edwin van der Sar played a large role in negotiations for the transfer.

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It then goes onto say that the player was demanded for Ajax to listen to United after he personally turned down the option of Arsenal himself.

The player had received strong interest from both Premier League clubs, and both were reported as confident in agreeing personal terms with the player.

But, it seemed clear that a reunion with Erik ten Hag was a more attractive offer than the Emirates.

This push from the defender came after United raised their bid to a €50m package, which was originally the price that Ajax had set.

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But they rejected the offer, and wanted a slightly higher fee for the Argentine, and United seem to have pushed towards that asking price, and Ajax are willing to let go.

After John Murtough and Richard Arnold met with Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday, they are now said to be heading back to England in order to gain final approval from the United board on payment terms and agreement for Martinez.

This comes just a day after the pair were spotted in the Spanish capital, speaking with Barcelona about the potential transfer of Frenkie de Jong.

Tyrone Marshall from the Manchester Evening News has reported that sources say the two are "inter-railing around Europe" in attempts to conclude transfers.

The Reds have just one with them currently on their pre-season tour. Tyrell Malacia made his unofficial debut for the club against Liverpool in the 4-0 win on Tuesday.

It's looking ever more likely that he will be joined by Martinez and Christian Eriksen in Australia. The Denmark international will officially sign for the club after a detailed medical is completed.

De Jong's transfer does not seem as close, but it finally looks like United will get the deal over the line for Ajax's Player of the Year last season.