Barcelona scouting mission for Man Utd star revealed

Barcelona scouted Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez in Argentina's shock defeat to Uruguay on Friday.

The "Butcher" is out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer and widely expected to depart following his public outburst a few weeks ago. Martinez openly criticised Man Utd's club hierarchy after a Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.

In the wake of his explosive interview, reports emerged that the 28-year-old is desperate to leave Man Utd in 2027 and that the club were unlikely to take up their option to extend his expiring deal by a further season.

Given the circumstances, there is a feeling that a January transfer might be possible, which has piqued the interest of Barcelona. The Catalans will be in the market for a left-sided defender this winter.

Despite Martinez's very poor campaign to date, Barcelona are increasingly attracted to the diminutive centre-back, primarily because other options are unlikely to be available mid-season. Wonderkid Ruud Nijstad is the club's top target, but prising him away from Twente could prove impossible.

According to Sport, Barcelona had a scout in attendance at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires to "spy" on Martinez during Argentina's clash with Uruguay on Friday. Surprisingly, Diego Forlan's side ran out 2-1 victors over the World Cup runners-up.

The report notes that Martinez "didn't have a bad game," although it should probably be mentioned that he was at fault for Uruguay's first goal. He tried to clear a flicked-on free kick, but his header rebounded off teammate Leonardo Balerdi and into Argentina's own net.

He wasn't the only player Barcelona wanted to see. The scout was also tasked with monitoring Uruguay youngster Juan Rodriguez, but the young Cagliari defender did not get on the pitch.

While Martinez is seen as an immediate reinforcement, potentially as early as January, Rodriguez would be a more long-term option. At this stage, a move for the latter seems unlikely because of question marks over whether he is ready for such a big jump.

Even the signing of Martinez might not be straightforward. The outlet posits that the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino could potentially influence the 28-year-old's future and "open up a new chapter" in his relationship with Man Utd.

Given his struggles this season, a separation, either in January or at the end of the season, might still be in both parties' best interests, but Pochettino's appointment could nevertheless be a blow to Barcelona in their pursuit of Martinez.