Manchester United legend played key role in Lisandro Martinez’s imminent Old Trafford switch

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar reportedly played a major role in helping the Red Devils reach an agreement with Ajax over a deal for Lisandro Martinez. The Dutchman is currently Ajax's chief executive.

As per De Telegraaf, United chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough engaged in an hour-long discussion with the representatives of Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday, July 13. The two parties negotiated a deal for Martinez during which Van der Sar is rumored to have given a helping hand to the Premier League giants.

The former Netherlands international is considered a legend at Old Trafford. He made 266 appearances for the club in all competitions and helped them win four Premier Leagues, an EFL Cup, and a Champions League.

After retiring in 2011, the goalkeeper joined Ajax as a marketing director in 2012, and became the club's Chief Executive Officer in 2016.

Van der Sar played a key role in the negotiations as he is believed to have 'given the transfer a move in the right direction'. He has seemingly helped United edge closer to signing Martinez, who has been one of their top transfer targets this summer.

Ten Hag is reportedly looking forward to reuninting with Martinez, whom he signed for the Amsterdam-based club from Defensa y Justicia in 2019.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ajax are reportedly set to agree on a deal with United that includes a fee of €50 million along with add-ons.

Manchester United need to move on from Frenkie de Jong and look at alternatives

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Manchester United have had a slow start to the transfer window as compared to their top-six rivals. Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all made multiple acquisitions this summer, including some statement signings.

As per The Mirror, Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement with Barca over the transfer fee for the player. However, De Jong is yet to agree on a move to Old Trafford.

Ten Hag's side have already begun their pre-season tour and are just three weeks away from their first Premier League game of the 2022-23 campaign. They must therefore start to look at alternatives to De Jong as the Dutchman is believed to be unwilling to leave Camp Nou. As per GiveMeSport, Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans has emerged as a transfer target for United.