Erik ten Hag may still be facing frustration in Manchester United’s pursuit of his primary transfer target, but a breakthrough elsewhere will come as a major relief.
Negotiations to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong have dragged on and on and the presence of United chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough in Spain this week has not had the desired effect. De Jong is no closer to becoming a United player and Ten Hag will have to continue planning without him as the pre-season tour reaches Melbourne.
Nevertheless, there is – finally – something to get excited about for the United manager and the club’s fans. The club are closing in on the £46million signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. After holding firm through early bids from United and Arsenal, Ajax are finally ready to accept the departure of the 24-year-old Argentina international.
