MANCHESTER UNITED legend Jaap Stam insists a transfer for Ajax star Lisandro Martinez would be a smart move.
Old Trafford coach Erik ten Hag wants to attack his former club for the Argentine center-back.
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Man Utd is desperate to sign Lisandro Martinez from AjaxCredit: Getty
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United legend Jaap Stam believes the defender would be a big signing Credit: AP: Associated Press
Arsenal are also looking forward to 24-year-old Martinez, who is valued at £ 43 million.
But Stam believes the South American would be a huge hit for United, despite his modest 5-foot, 9-foot stature.
Dutch icon Stam won the Champions League and three Premier League titles before ending his three-year stay at Old Trafford in 2001.
He then ended his playing days at Ajax, and later coached his junior teams.
The former Reading and Feyenoord coach knows the defense well after seeing him star in the Eredivisie.
And it is firm that the player has all the tools to succeed the Red Devils.
Stam, 49, said: “It’s hard to say if Martinez is worth £ 43 million, but such commissions have become normal, especially in England.
“I’ve become a big fan of his. I find him a great guy, with good temper and winning mentality. Players like this are a dream to work with managers.
“In the past, defenders in England could never be high enough. But these days, most clubs and managers want to play ball from behind.
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“This does not mean that Lisandro does not have to do his part in defense. He can count on that.
“But he is very skilled and creative with his step. The more players like this have Ten Hag on their squad, the more they can keep possession of their team and the less they can hit the counterattack. “
Stam added: “Communication is also vital in the world’s strongest league and with whom it is associated at the heart of defense.
“Because he is very comfortable with the ball, he can also act in front of the defense, as he has done with Ajax.
“I wouldn’t rule out Ten Hag using it in a similar role.”