Manchester United identify 33-year-old LaLiga star as solution to their defensive issues: Reports

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez in the summer. The Spaniard could potentially become a free agent in the summer.

Martinez joined the Blaugrana from Athletic Club in the summer of 2023 and has made 49 appearances across competitions for them. He was mostly a second fiddle to the likes of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen last season for most parts. However, with their injuries and his own form, Martinez has become a key player under Hansi Flick.

The 33-year-old defender's contract with Barcelona expires in the summer. However, his contract has an option of an automatic one-year extension if he makes a certain number of appearances this season. As per Fichajes.net (via Barca Universal), despite this clause, Manchester United are keen on signing Martinez.

The Red Devils have conceded 22 goals in 17 Premier League games this season and sit eighth in the goals conceded list. Moreover, Johnny Evans' contract is set to expire in the summer and Victor Lindelof has been linked with a move away. Hence, the club are looking to bring in defensive reinforcements.

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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim provides injury update on Victor Lindelof

The Red Devils faced Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in their EFL Cup quarter-final clash on December 19. Victor Lindelof started in a three-man defense with Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro. However, he went down due to an injury just before halftime and was replaced with Johnny Evans.

After the game, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim provided an update on Lindelof, saying (via Goal):

"I think he has something. We have to assess to say specifically what he has but it's tough to lose a player. They work really hard, they want to return but like I said - the same thing with Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Vic - they had injuries, they don't have space to train. Just preparing games is not perfect."

Manchester United lost the game 4-3 and were eliminated from the competition as a result.

Lindelof, meanwhile, has made just nine appearances across competitions after dealing with multiple injury and form issues. With his contract set to expire in the summer, he is widely expected to leave Old Trafford. Everton, West Ham United and Newcastle United are interested in signing the Swede. A potential January move could help United get some transfer fee for Lindelof.