Lisandro Martinez is out of contract in the summer, but Manchester United could trigger an extension to protect their asset whilst they eye defensive reinforcements

Manchester United could trigger the 12-month extension clause in Lisandro Martinez's contract so that they can recoup a fee for the Argentine as they prepare to rejig their backline.

Martinez, who has been at Old Trafford since Erik ten Hag signed him in 2022, has been heavily linked with a move away after publicly calling out the United hierarchy, accusing them of not investing heavily enough in the squad.

This from a player whose own form has been criticised whilst he's spent long periods on the sidelines. United's defence has been neglected for several transfer windows and, only months into the season, it looks to be a decision that will haunt them until it is addressed.

Martinez is out of contract this summer and his constant injuries, coupled with his attack on the club's bosses, had made it all but a formality that he would leave.

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Atletico Madrid had been keen to land Martinez in the summer and the Daily Mail reports that United will trigger the extension clause in his deal to protect their asset, thus ensuring they will be able to land a fee for a player they spent £56million on from Ajax four years ago.

United have long had Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite on their radar and have seen offers reaching £50m previously rejected by the Toffees. They could still reignite that interest come the summer.

Branthwaite has become a leading light on the blue half of Merseyside and could bolster a United backline that has seen a number of its major figures age. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have been stalwarts in Manchester, but may have their best days behind them.

Leny Yoro remains a bright hope and will likely only get better. The same can be said for Ayden Heaven, who was signed from Arsenal and has earned plaudits when he's played.

Internally it is understood that the United hierarchy accept the summer's recruitment wasn't up to standard and missing out on a left-back may well prove costly. Shaw's injury has forced Michael Carrick into seeking makeshift solutions after he failed to sign Newcastle's Lewis Hall, who was high on his wishlist.