Lisandro Martinez is set to become Erik ten Hag's third major signing at Manchester United after a deal was agreed on Sunday.
The versatile 24-year-old will follow his former Ajax coach to Old Trafford in a deal that will reportedly cost United €57million (£48million), potentially rising to €67million (£56.5million) with add-ons.
Martinez emerged as a primary target for United after Ten Hag's appointment was confirmed in April. Arsenal were among clubs rumoured to be rivalling United for the Argentina international, but seemingly Ten Hag's presence played a telling role.
Martinez is primarily a centre-back but has also been known to fill in at left-back and in defensive midfield, with this well-roundedness and his ability on the ball making him an attractive option to many potential suitors.
He joined Ajax ahead of the 2019-20 campaign and won two Eredivisie titles during his time in Amsterdam, including last season.
Ajax were reportedly reluctant to sell Martinez, but United made a breakthrough and are now poised to complete the deal.
United said in a statement: "Manchester United is delighted to announce the club has reached agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Argentine international defender Lisandro Martinez, subject to medical, to player terms being finalised, and to UK visa requirements."
Martinez will join United in the midst of a rebuild, having recorded their worst Premier League points total (58) ever last season. They have already recruited left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, and Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen on a free transfer after his Brentford exit.
The 2021-22 season was also the first league campaign in over 30 years that United did not end with a positive goal difference.
Ten Hag has been trusted with overseeing an improvement, and for many that means establishing a playing identity.
The Dutchman's Ajax team were regarded as one of the most entertaining sides in Europe as they played an attacking brand of football based on possession retention, and Martinez – as a ball-playing centre-back – is seen as a potentially vital acquisition in Ten Hag's quest to make United more comfortable on the ball.
As a left-footed player, Martinez's arrival could be bad news for the much-maligned United captain, Harry Maguire, who predominantly features as the left of the two centre-backs.
The England international will retain the captaincy, as confirmed by Ten Hag, but the signing of Martinez increases the competition in Maguire's area of defence.
Nashville SC v San Jose Earthquakes: ‘A win would change everything’ - Godoy
Anibal Godoy insists that Nashville are already looking at their game against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as a must-win.
Nashville have won just once in the MLS this season and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference after a run of four without a win.
The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are bottom of the Western Conference having lost eight of their matches and recording just one win.
Godoy is aware of how their poor start to the season could affect their playoff hopes later down the line but is confident that Nashville can turn things around.
He said: “For us, it's an important week. It's a day we have to win, or we'll start to feel the pressure from other teams as they start to separate in the table.
“This league is long but if we want to get to the playoff you have to win games early on, especially at home.”
Liverpool agree compensation deal for Slot
Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation deal for Arne Slot to become the Reds’ manager next season, according to widespread Dutch media reports.
The Dutchman is reportedly poised to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Slot led Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after taking over the club in 2021.
It is believed that he topped the list of Liverpool’s favoured candidates due to his attacking playing style and ability to develop players.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders to take over from Klopp.
Slot had already confirmed his interest in managing in the Premier League, both earlier this week and previously when he was linked to Tottenham in 2023.
QPR 4-0 Leeds United: Shock loss for Farke's men seals Leicester's promotion
QPR thrashed Leeds United 4-0 in the Championship on Friday, ensuring Leicester City booked their promotion straight back to the Premier League.
Ilias Chair was the star for the Hoops as he scored the opener and assisted two more goals to ensure QPR will stay in the Championship for another season.
Lucas Andersen, Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field also got their names on the scoresheet in an emphatic win for Marti Cifuentes' side.
Leeds' heaviest defeat of the season was a huge blow in the race for an automatic promotion spot, with Ipswich Town just one point behind them in third place with two games in hand going into their away clash against Hull City on Saturday.
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