Manchester United have decided not to extend Lisandro Martinez’s contract and are prepared to allow the Argentina defender to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

The 2022 arrival from Ajax has made more than 100 appearances for the club, although a series of injury problems have disrupted his time in Manchester.

Martinez’s future came under further scrutiny after he criticised Manchester United’s hierarchy, including director of football Jason Wilcox, following the club’s UEFA Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid.

The 28-year-old subsequently apologised and has been restored to Michael Carrick’s squad plans. However, United now appear ready to move on from the defender, with a 2027 transfer being considered as an option by clubs in La Liga.

Manchester United could listen to offers in January to avoid losing Martinez on a free transfer at the end of the season. However, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly willing to wait, according to Spanish publication Diario AS.

Atletico Madrid signed Martinez’s Argentina centre-back partner Cristian Romero in August. Martinez could favour the possibility of joining him in Madrid rather than competing for a starting place in Barcelona.