Barcelona are reportedly considering making a move for Lisandro Martinez in the January transfer window.
TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey said on Friday that Barcelona 'are considering an approach in the new year' with Hansi Flick looking to add to his defensive options.
Martinez's contract expires next summer, though United retain the option to extend the Argentine's deal by a year. As of January, though, Barcelona can open talks with Martinez and look to sign him on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Martinez turns 29 in the new year, and amidst clear unhappiness from the World Cup winner, shown in his post-match interview following United's defeat to Atletico Madrid where he called out the club's director of football Jason Wilcox, and January could provide a mutually beneficial parting of ways.
United are already short at the back, however, having failed to invest in the position over the summer. Harry Maguire, who turns 34 this season, has been ever-present, with Martinez, Leny Yoro -- who's often been deployed at right-back this season -- Matthijs de Ligt -- who's only just returning from an 11-month layoff -- and Ayden Heaven the club's only options at centre back.
Nevertheless, given the club's financial position, Martinez's age and injury record, bids will likely be considered for a January departure.
Martinez established himself as a fans' favourite at Old Trafford following his £47m move from Ajax in 2022, but has struggled with long injury lay-offs since; the Argentine has never started more than 24 Premier League games in a season, and had twice been reduced to fewer than 15 starts.
