Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has emerged as a potential transfer target for Spanish giants Barcelona as the Catalan club look to strengthen their defensive options.
Barcelona have endured back-to-back defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid over the past week, raising fresh concerns about their defensive resilience.
Those disappointing results have reportedly prompted the Spanish side to explore the market for top-class defenders ahead of next summer.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Martinez is one of four names on Barcelona’s defensive shortlist, with the Argentina international potentially representing an attainable option.
The transfer could be feasible given that Martinez has less than a year remaining on his current contract.
He would be free to negotiate with overseas clubs over a potential move in January. However, United hold an option to trigger a one-year extension, which could keep him at Old Trafford until 2028.
The Red Devils could also use that contractual option to strengthen their negotiating position and demand a higher transfer fee from Barcelona.
The 28-year-old recently made headlines after reportedly name-dropping technical director Jason Wilcox and criticising the United hierarchy over their lack of support for manager Michael Carrick.
Martinez has endured a difficult spell this season and has already made several costly mistakes.
Nevertheless, when fully fit and firing, the £48.5 million-rated star remains one of the Premier League’s most accomplished ball-playing centre-backs.
His aggressive mentality and fiery character bring an intensity that United need in their squad.
However, his poor injury record has prevented him from consistently performing at his best for the club.
United are expected to strengthen their defensive options next summer as part of a wider squad rebuild, and Martinez’s future could consequently come under scrutiny.
With Barcelona reportedly monitoring his situation and United weighing up their options, the Argentine could leave Old Trafford as early as the upcoming winter transfer window.