Man Utd transfer gurus wanted Pau Torres instead of Lisandro Martinez ‘but were overruled by boss Erik ten Hag’

MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs reportedly wanted to sign Villarreal star Pau Torres before Erik ten Hag pushed for Lisandro Martinez.

The Ajax defender, 24, is set to complete a move to Old Trafford after the Dutch champions accepted a bid of £55million.

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Ten Hag worked with the Argentine for three years in Amsterdam and was keen to bring Martinez with him to Manchester.

The United boss even had to persuade the club’s recruitment department to sign Martinez after previously targeting Torres, report The Telegraph.

Torres has attracted interest from several clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham and Juventus – with the Red Devils first registering their interest in the defender last year.

As recently as June reports claimed United were the favourites to land Torres in a potential £43m move.

But the club instead decided to back Ten Hag’s judgement by bringing in Martinez – even though he may be the more expensive option.

Torres also rubbished speculation he was set to leave earlier this summer, stating he is happy at Villarreal.

Ten Hag is also said to be keen on signing another Ajax defender – Jurrien Timber.

But Timber wants to stay at Ajax as he believes it is “too risky” to move to United where he is not guaranteed game time.

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Ten Hag has focused his transfer policy on tried-and-tested players he has worked with before.

He made Frenkie de Jong one of his main transfer targets this summer and United are willing to remain patient to finally land the midfielder, who also worked with Ten Hag at Ajax.

And reports claim De Jong is willing to make the switch despite publicly stating his desire to remain in Barcelona.