Man Utd ‘leading race’ to land impressive £45m transfer as Red Devils ‘eye’ intriguing striker swoop

Manchester United kicked off their pre-season with a bang on Tuesday.

Pre-season results may not be worth getting too excited about, but there will have been plenty of United fans rubbing their hands with glee following Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Liverpool in Thailand.

Jadon Sancho, Fred, Antony Martial and Facundo Pellistri were all on the scoresheet, with the Red Devils looking sharp in their pre-season opener.

There is still plenty of work to be done, though, and Erik ten Hag will still want to add a number new faces to his squad ahead of the new season.

With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Old Trafford:

Martinez update

United are said to be leading to race to sign centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

According to the Evening Standard, the Red Devils are now ‘front runners’, ahead of Arsenal, with both clubs holding talks.

Ajax are said to be demanding £45million for their star centre-back, a figure United will likely have to meet.

Striker interest

United have been linked with a move for Stuttgart striker Saša Kalajdžić.

Journalist Florian Plettenberg via SportWitness says United have expressed an interest in the striker, who is out of contract next year, though the forward remains coy over his future.

“My advisor knows the status,” he said. “I’m here quite normally and my focus is on VfB. It’s not an issue that my mind wanders. I just think from training session to training session, I’ll push everyone and I want to have fun with my friends.

“In the last few years, every club has been associated with me. It doesn’t leave me cold now, but it doesn’t bother me as much as it used to. [In the end, it’s about] finding the best possible solution for all parties.”

Tuanzebe interest

Bournemouth have turned their attention to a United player after being turned down by Tottenham star Japhet Tanganga.

The newly promoted Cherries are said to have expressed an interest in Alex Tuanzebe, according to Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.

It’s unclear whether Bournemouth are pushing for a permanent transfer or a loan deal.

Tuanzuebe spent the second half of last season on loan with Napoli, but he only made one league appearance.