Barcelona inquires about Man United’s Lisandro Martínez

Barcelona has made inquiries about Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez as it considers him for a possible January move, but no formal offer or advanced negotiations have been reported. The interest is part of a search for an experienced central defender, while United’s option to extend Martínez’s contract gives the English club control over his current deal’s potential end date. Reports say Martínez is one of four players on Barcelona’s defensive shortlist, alongside Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Real Betis defender Natan. Gvardiol and Bastoni are viewed as difficult to sign during the season, making Martínez and Natan possible alternatives. Barcelona’s interest in Martínez has included initial conversations about his availability, according to one account, but the clubs have not been reported to be negotiating a deal. Martínez’s current contract is reported to run until June 2027. United can extend it by one year, potentially through June 2028, and Barcelona cannot assume he will be available as a free agent next summer. Whether United exercises the option remains unsettled in the reports. The clause could affect the timing...