Lisandro Martinez wants out of Manchester United when his contract runs down next summer, and Atletico Madrid are interested, Sky Sports report.
Martinez pushed for a move to Atletico in the last window, keen to join his close friend and Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero, who left Spurs for Spain. No bid came in that United were willing to consider, so he stayed put.
His deal is up at the end of the season, although United do have the option of an extra year. There are real doubts they’ll take it. The club are looking at new centre-backs and left-backs, with the defence the focus of the next two transfer windows.
Then came Madrid. After the 2-0 defeat at Atletico on 13 October, Martinez went after the people running the club, saying the squad hadn’t been backed in the summer and singling out technical director Jason Wilcox.
“I expect more from our technical director,” he said.
It didn’t go down well in the dressing room or the boardroom. Martinez put out a statement the next day, then apologised after sitting down with Wilcox, the chief executive and Michael Carrick. He has reportedly been fined, and United consider the matter closed.
Whether Atletico have actually made a move is another matter. Nothing has been said about a fee or any talks, and with his contract expiring, a free transfer next summer is the obvious route.
Footiebuzz View
Losing a good centre-back for nothing is poor business, no argument there. But keeping a player who has publicly had a go at the board, and reportedly wants out anyway, is worse. United are already eyeing replacements. If a fair offer turns up, take it and move on.