Report: United nearing big-money Martinez deal as De Jong resists move

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, but are struggling to get a deal for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong over the line.

It will cost at least €50 million to reunite Martinez with new United boss Erik ten Hag, according to ESPN's Rob Dawson. The 24-year-old, who can play in defense and midfield, is keen on a move to the Premier League and has also attracted interest from Arsenal.

United representatives are expected to meet with Ajax to discuss Martinez's potential switch on Wednesday, The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano reports.

Despite making progress on what could be their second signing of the summer, United continue to hit roadblocks in the pursuit of their No. 1 target, De Jong. The Dutch midfielder's agents, Ali Dursun and Hasan Cetinkaya, have stressed to Barcelona that their client isn't seeking a move despite United and Barca reportedly agreeing to a transfer last month that could exceed €80 million after add-ons.

However, Barcelona president Joan Laporta distanced the club from reports of that agreement last week when he said, "We know he has offers. If at some moment we were interested, we would consider it, but right now, we're not selling the player."

De Jong would also prefer to play in the Champions League with Barcelona, rather than compete in the Europa League with United.

Several big-name players have departed United this summer - including first-team regulars Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic - but the anticipated overhaul at Old Trafford is yet to materialize. Left-back Tyrell Malacia is the only signing of the Ten Hag era after he completed a move from Feyenoord last week reportedly worth a potential €17 million.