United plotting surprise summer move for 33-year-old defender on free transfer, ready to offer “tempting contract” – report

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Inigo Martinez’s situation amid uncertainty over his long-term future at Barcelona.

Much has been written about United’s struggles going forward under Ruben Amorim, who is certainly in a desperate need of a reliable goalscorer heading into the January transfer window.

However, the Red Devils have also appeared shaky in their own final third, having conceded 12 goals in their last five games across all competitions, underlining the need for a new centre-back.

Having said that, they are unlikely to be in a position to spend big on yet another central defender, considering there are other more major holes to address in Amorim’s squad.

According to Fichajes, United are looking to take advantage of Martinez’s contractual situation.

They are “emerging as potential bidders” for his signature should he fail to find an agreement with Barcelona over a new contract.

The Spaniard has been one of the stand-out performers under Hansi Flick, having impressed with his positioning and ability to bring the ball out from the back. He has already made 18 appearances in La Liga this season.

Despite his importance to Flick’s system, Barca have yet to make any significant progress in securing his future. The former Athletic Club star will become a free agent at the end of the campaign.

The Spanish outlet claims United see the 33-year-old as a solution to their defensive crisis, and they are attracted to the possibility of signing him without paying any transfer fee in the summer. The Mancunians are reported to be willing to offer a “tempting contract” to lure him to Old Trafford.

It is added that the next few months could be decisive in deciding the future of Martinez, who moved to the Catalan giants from the Basque side as a free agent in 2023.

However, instead of looking to sign an ageing centre-back from a different league, United would do well to extend Harry Maguire’s contract.

The Englishman, who has appeared promising in limited minutes under Amorim, has entered the final year of his contract and has attracted interest from several clubs, including Napoli.

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