Manchester United are ready to gazump Arsenal and sign Lisandro Martinez – after failing in their efforts to land his team-mate Jurrien Timber.
New United boss Erik ten Hag made central-back Timber his No.1 defensive target, but the Dutch international was advised not to make the move by Holland coach and former Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal. Timber, 21, is said to have taken on board van Gaal's advice and decided a move to United, with the World Cup less than six months away, is too much of a risk at this stage of his career.
That has seen ten Hag and United switch their attention to Timber's club colleague, 24-year-old Argentina international Martinez, who was a regular under the newly-appointed Old Trafford coach. Arsenal had a bid of £25million for Martinez rejected by Ajax last week, and the Gunners fear United could now ultimately beat them to the capture of Mikel Arteta's top defensive target.
