Manchester United have made a £39.6million bid for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
The Reds are looking to blow Arsenal out of the running for the Argentine international by offering the Dutch club a deal close to their £43million valuation. United have told Ajax they will pay £35.3million up front, with a package of add-ons worth a further £4.3million - and the extra payments are guaranteed.
The Gunners have seen a £34million bid rejected - and are now weighing up their options. But new United boss Erik ten Hag has identified Martinez as the man to put some steel into his team. And now the Old Trafford club have moved decisively after weeks of bartering with Barcelona over the payment terms of a £70million deal for Frenkie de Jong.