Lisandro Martinez reportedly has no intention of extending his Manchester United contract, with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona both interested in signing the defender, according to reports.
The Argentine's current deal at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of the season, and he was United's worst performer in their defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. The loss marked United's ninth successive game without victory in all competitions.
Costly performance against Chelsea
Martinez was left chasing shadows when Morgan Rogers sliced through United to open the scoring just minutes into the second half. He then conceded the penalty that saw Cole Palmer double Chelsea's lead, getting himself sent off in the process.
In a moment of madness, Martinez threw his elbow into Wesley Fofana while trying to defend a corner, earning his second yellow card in the space of just two minutes. The incident came just weeks after he lashed out at the United hierarchy in an explosive interview following their Champions League defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
Interest from Spain
AS claim Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Martinez on a free transfer in the summer, while Barcelona have also been credited with a desire to land the defender. It is claimed that United would be happy to let him leave when the campaign draws to a close, with neither side willing to negotiate an extension.
The report adds that an exit could be agreed as early as January, but that would depend on whether any offers arrive. Martinez will also be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club at the turn of the year.
Cole's scathing assessment
Joe Cole delivered a scathing assessment of Martinez's performance against Chelsea, insisting that his time at United should be brought to an end. Speaking on TNT Sports, the former England midfielder said: "Whatever the next Manchester United, looks like, I think Lisandro Martinez has run his course. We know he's been fabulous in an Argentina shirt and achieved some wonderful things, but he's at the scene of the crime too often for Manchester United."
After the final whistle, Cole added: "This is unfathomable. He loses his rag. I think he has been muscled in the corner and he has found himself out of position and lost his rag. It's a massive mistake."
