Manchester United have reportedly identified their top target to replace Lisandro Martinez ahead of his contract expiring next summer - and it makes complete sense.

Martinez's existing deal is up in June 2027, with his recent outburst directed at United club chiefs about their lack of investment in the summer window said to have all but sealed his exit from Old Trafford as a free agent.

But it is now claimed that United have transfer-listed the Argentina international in an attempt to recoup some of the £57 million fee they paid Ajax to sign him in 2022 - and have also decided on his replacement.

Jarrad Branthwaite wanted by Man Utd as Lisandro Martinez replacement

According to the Daily Mail, United are likely to trigger the 12-month extension option in Martinez's contract, which would keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2028.

But that decision has not changed his prospects of staying. Instead, it prevents foreign clubs from entering talks with the centre-back in January over a pre-contract agreement, which a player can agree once they are in the final six months of their deal and would lead to them departing for free.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are believed to be interested in signing the 29-year-old but would have to pay up if the option is extended - which would free up extra funds for United to target his replacement.

It is claimed that United chiefs are keen to revisit their long-standing interest in Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who they attempted to sign in 2024.

The club had three offers, with the last offer believed to be worth £50 million, for the centre-back rejected by the Toffees, who understandably valued Branthwaite at a much more significant figure.

But Sir Jim Ratcliffe refused to pay above United's own valuation, and separate hamstring issues across back-to-back summer windows ultimately made another move more challenging in the past two years.

Why Man Utd want Jarrad Branthwaite

In terms of defensive statistics, it is clear why United have picked Branthwaite as their top target to replace Martinez - and why he would instantly improve their back line if he were to move to Old Trafford.

As per data from Squawka's Comparison Matrix, which uses data from the 2026/27 Premier League season so far, Martinez has played 495 total minutes this season across six matches, while Branthwaite has played all 630 minutes for Everton across his seven appearances.

Martinez leads the way for forward passes and passes attempted, with his 140 forward passes putting him ahead of Branthwaite (129) despite playing fewer minutes.

But that is where the success for the Argentina international ends. Branthwaite has been successful in more aerial duels (15 compared to eight), ground duels (13 compared to seven) and interceptions (11 compared to four).

He has contested 47 total duels versus 30 for Martinez, while he is also narrowly stronger when it comes to long pass accuracy (45.24 per cent versus 44.74).

United will hope that Branthwaite can replicate those stats if he does make the move to Old Trafford - provided Ratcliffe and the club's football department meet Everton's asking price this time around.