Choose between signing Antony or Lisandro Martinez – Ajax tell Manchester United

Manchester United have held talks with Dutch champions Ajax over signing Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez and Ajax forward Antony.

Martinez emerged as Manchester United’s leading defensive target after Jurrien Timber made it clear that he wanted to remain in Amsterdam for another year.

According to The Mirror, Ajax have told Manchester United that the Red Devils must choose between signing Antony or Martinez this summer unless Manchester United make Ajax an offer that is just too good to refuse.

Ajax are reluctant to allow Erik ten Hag’s plan to rebuild Manchester United lead to a mass exodus of the players he left behind in Amsterdam.

Ajax have already rejected an offer from Arsenal in the region of £30million for Martinez this summer.

The Dutch champions value Brazilian forward Antony at around £50million, according to The Mirror.

Ajax have already lost Ryan Gravenberch to German champions Bayern Munich for £16.6million and their top goalscorer last season Sebastian Haller is set to join Borussia Dortmund for £30million.

Bayern Munich also snapped up Noussair Mazraoui on a free transfer and Ajax do not want to hand new coach Alfred Schreuder a squad that has been stripped bare.

Ajax are resigned to losing either Martinez or Antony following Timber’s decision to stay put – but not both. 

Only a huge offer from Manchester United can convince Ajax to sell Martinez and Antony to Manchester United this summer.

Martinez impressed for Dutch club during the 2021-22 campaign, making 37 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and four assists in the process.

He was named Ajax Player of the Year after an impressive season for Ten Hag’s Ajax side last season.

The Argentine international defender still has more than three years left to run on his contract in Amsterdam, while he has won two Eredivisie titles and one Dutch Cup during his time at Ajax.

Manchester United officials were in Amsterdam on Tuesday to discuss the transfer of Antony and also Martinez.

Antony impressed for Ajax last season, scoring 12 goals and registering 10 assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

The Brazilian has scored 22 goals and registered 20 assists in 78 appearances for Ajax since joining the club from Sao Paulo in July 2020.

Manchester United are due to officially begin pre-season training on Monday.