Even though Lisandro Martinez's dream shirt number is available at Manchester United, he may not be able to take it due to another potential arrival.
United closed in on making Martinez their third signing of the summer when they announced on Sunday that a £46.8million, rising to £55.3m, deal had been struck for the versatile defender with Ajax. He will sign a contract at Old Trafford until 2027, with the option of a further 12 months, but the deal remains subject to medical, visa and the agreement of personal terms with the player.
The Argentine follows the signing of left-back Tyrell Malacia and the free transfer of elegant playmaker Christian Eriksen as Erik ten Hag's squad finally begins to take shape. The new manager was keen to bolster his defensive options and after Jurrien Timber made it clear he was staying at Ajax, attention turned to his teammate instead.
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Following several departures from United earlier in the summer, there are plenty of squad numbers available for the new signings to choose from. One such example is No.21, which has become vacant after Edinson Cavani left upon the expiration of his contract.
Martinez may well be keen to select the number at United as it was what he wore during his three years in Amsterdam, however, it might not be available to him. That's because No.21 is also the favourite number of top target Frenkie de Jong.
The midfielder, who United have been chasing for 10 weeks now, wore the number at Ajax before Martinez, claimed it at Barcelona and also made it his own in the Dutch national team. It's clear that the jersey means a lot to De Jong and it's unlikely that United will take a potential deal sweetener off the table when the move is already proving difficult.
United agreed a deal in principle with Barcelona to sign the 25-year-old last month but the transfer is at a standstill due to his desire to stay at the Camp Nou, despite Barca's desperation to sell and a disagreement over deferred wages the club still owe him.
Thankfully for Martinez, there are several other good choices open to him as the numbers 6, 14 and 24, all of which he has previously worn, are also up for grabs.
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