Man Utd transfer news: Fikayo Tomori comes into Ten Hag thinking as report issues bleak Lisandro Martinez outlook

Manchester United are reportedly considering an approach to sign Fikayo Tomori as a Plan B option for Lisandro Martinez.

Recently-appointed Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is finding efforts to attract new players to Old Trafford far harder than expected. To that end, United only have Tyrell Malacia in through the doors, the full-back arriving in an initial £12.9m deal from Feyenoord.

However, the wait for a second signing goes on, with efforts for Frenkie de Jong, in particular proving extremely difficult. And those hopes for the Barcelona man  now look as good as over with a report naming 10 reasons why he has rejected United.

It’s been a similarly frustrating story over efforts to sign Lisandro Martinez. The Argentina defender has been the subject of two offers from United, the second of which tops £43m. However, with Arsenal too on the scene, Ajax are reportedly holding out for nearer £50m.

As a result, Martinez has reportedly taken matters into his own hands to try and force the issue.

That said, there are no guarantees Ajax will sell and reports claim a transfer impasse is likely.

United, though, cannot afford to wait around. Seeing all their rivals strengthen around them, the Red Devils appear in danger of being left behind.

As such, reports in Italy claim Ten Hag is now considering an alternative in the form of Tomori.

The centre-back has established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A and a key component of Stefano Piolo’s side. Indeed, Tomori made 35 appearances in all competitions as Milan were crowned Serie A champions.

Milan looking to extend Fikayo Tomori contract

Now, according to Calciomercato, the player has come under United’s watchful gaze in recent weeks. And they are reportedly considering an approach to bring him back to the Premier League, sensing he may be easier to prise from Milan.

However, Milan are seemingly unwilling to part with Tomori without a fight. They have reportedly informed the defender’s representatives that they are unwilling to consider any offers for him this summer.

As a result, the report claims the Rossoneri are preparing a new and improved deal to extend his stay.

His current deal expires in 2025 and, in an effort to keep United at bay, plan to extend this by two more years. And that fresh five-year deal will see the 24-year-old earn a handsome payrise into the bargain.

Fikayo Tomori himself appears happy at Milan and has shown no signs of looking to leave the San Siro.

Times are tough for United

Having laboured to a sixth-placed finish last season, Manchester United were well below their best last season. Indeed, neither Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Ralf Rangnick were able to get the best from their star-studded squad.

However, the arrival of Ten Hag will have given United and their fans plenty of fresh optimism.

That, though, appears to have been quickly evaporated by their transfer failures thus far. The long pursuit of De Jong has been frustrating to say the least. And were they to also fail to get matters over the line, serious questions will start being asked.

Indeed, Gary Neville’s comment about United being a ‘graveyard’ for top stars is starting to ring true.

Worse still, the Red Devils have seen all their rivals make significant signings to strengthen their squads. With Man City landing Erling Haaland and Liverpool shattering their transfer record for Darwin Nunez, the top two threaten to become more dominant.

United favourites to sign Martinez

Arsenal and Manchester United are battling it out to sign highly rated Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez; his relationship with Erik Ten Hag could be a determining factor.

Perhaps more worrying, Arsenal (four signings) and Tottenham (five signings) have had little trouble landing their targets. The pair both finished above United last season and look to be the sides to catch. However, they already look stronger than they did last season.

As a result, Ten Hag needs some good news on the transfer front as soon as possible. If they can get one big name in, they will hope a snowball effect will follow.