Man Utd close in on double defender deal after surprise Ten Hag greenlight in unexpected development

Man Utd are poised to open talks with Lisandro Martinez over a new contract – and he is not the only defender they want to negotiate with, per reports.

Martinez has generally been a success since following Erik ten Hag from Ajax to Man Utd last summer. The left-footed defender has become a regular starter at centre-back. He also won the World Cup with Argentina over the winter, adding to his reputation.

When he joined Man Utd, Martinez signed a contract until 2027 with the option of a further year. However, such has been the impression he has made, that the club already want to reward him with a new deal.

The latest information has come from the Daily Mail, which relays that talks with Martinez will begin in July during a pre-season tour in the USA.

As part of a new deal, Martinez would see his salary increase. Man Utd are waiting to see what happens with other pieces of business before finalising how significantly they can raise the South American’s wages.

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But there seems to be plenty of confidence within the club that Martinez is the way forward for their defence. Now 25 years old, he could commit the rest of his prime to Man Utd by renewing his terms.

Interestingly, reports elsewhere are indicating that another Man Utd defender could get a slightly more surprising new contract of his own.

Lindelof to also earn new Man Utd deal

According to The Sun, Man Utd are ready to offer a new contract to Victor Lindelof after he impressed Ten Hag towards the end of the season.

The Sweden international had to be patient for his chance during Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford. However, he will now have the opportunity to extend his Man Utd career if he so desires.

As things stand, Lindelof – who joined the club in 2017 – is under contract for just one more season, unless Man Utd activate an option to renew his terms until 2025.

And The Sun now suggests that Man Utd do want to take up their 12-month extension option for Lindelof, who – having originally been expected to be in his final season at Man Utd – benefited from an injury to Martinez at the back end of the campaign.

It is Ten Hag himself who has given the green light for Lindelof to be retained. Nevertheless, both the Daily Mail and The Sun mention in their reports that Man Utd are pursuing the signing of Kim Min-jae from Napoli to further bolster their defence.

After winning Serie A at the first time of asking, Kim could become the new main partner to Martinez at the back. In turn, Raphael Varane would drop down the pecking order by one rung, while Lindelof could be the fourth centre-back at Ten Hag’s disposal.

As expected, it all spells trouble for Harry Maguire. Now, there is an expectation that the Man Utd captain will be leaving the club this summer. It just remains to be seen where he will go next.