Lisandro Martinez is increasingly likely to leave Manchester United as a free agent at the end of the season, with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite being considered as a possible replacement.
The uncertainty surrounding the Argentina international follows a recent public criticism of Manchester United’s hierarchy during a post-match interview. The club subsequently fined Martinez over the incident.
Martinez’s contract is due to expire at the end of the campaign, leaving United to decide whether to extend his stay or begin planning for his departure from Old Trafford.
Manchester United consider options over Lisandro Martinez
A report has claimed that United have the option to trigger a one-year extension in Martinez’s contract. Doing so would prevent him from leaving for nothing and could give the club the opportunity to sell him instead.
However, the report also suggests United may decide that ending their association with the defender is the preferable course. That would allow them to focus on rebuilding their defence, with Branthwaite identified as a potential target.
The Everton centre-back has established himself as an impressive Premier League performer and is viewed as a player capable of stepping up to one of the division’s leading clubs.
United have also been linked with left-backs Lewis Hall of Newcastle and Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert as they consider changes to their defensive options.
