How Man Utd could line up with tallest striker and smallest centre-back in Premier League after Ten Hag transfer splurge

MANCHESTER UNITED could line up with the tallest striker AND the shortest centre-back in the Premier League next season.

United have prioritised the signing of Ajax star Lisandro Martinez as Erik ten Hag turns to his former club to boost his defence.

AFP

The Red Devils have had a £46million bid accepted by the Dutch champions for Martinez, who could join the pre-season tour of Australia over the weekend.

If the centre-back pens a deal with the Manchester giants he would be the Premier League’s shortest at just 5ft 9in.

However, that shouldn’t be a problem as the Argentina international still won 79 aerial duels last season, which is four more than United skipper Harry Maguire, who is seven inches taller than him.

The Red Devils also held “initial talks” with Stuttgart star Sasa Kalajdzic’s representatives and reports suggest the towering centre-forward is keen to move to Old Trafford.

If Kalajdzic joins United then Ten Hag will also have the tallest striker in the Prem as he stands at 6ft 6in.

Both transfer targets could help the Dutchman put together a line-up that would take the team to new heights after the Manchester giants’ worst ever Premier League campaign.

David de Gea is expected to remain United’s No1 after Dean Henderson’s loan move to Nottingham Forest.

Diogo Dalot is likely to start at right-back after impressing under interim manager Ralf Rangnick with summer signing Tyrell Malacia on the other side.

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Ten Hag insisted Maguire will retain the captain’s armband and thus he could remain a regular in the starting XI along with Martinez at centre-back.

Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes could team up alongside another top target in Frenkie de Jong following reports of United reaching a “full agreement” with Barcelona worth up to £72m.

Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave the club and that could clear the way for a youthful frontline consisted of Marcus Rashford and the much improved Jadon Sancho alongside 25-year-old Kalajdzic.