Football rumours: Ajax accept loss of Manchester United target Lisandro Martinez

Ajax have reportedly accepted defeat in their attempts to stop Manchester United target* Lisandro Martinez* from leaving Amsterdam. The Times says the Dutch champions have commenced plans for life after the Argentina centre-back’s departure, despite initially refusing to sell him to United or Arsenal. The Red Devils, who are currently in Australia as part of their pre-season, are set to return with a second bid after their offer of £42.2million was knocked back. United executives John Murtough and Richard Arnold were in the Dutch capital earlier this week trying to get the deal done, the paper adds.