Manchester United have found out whether Aston Villa are willing to sell Emiliano Martinez next year, while a pundit has been analysing his potential move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United are looking for David de Gea’s replacement in goal. The Spaniard is in the final 12 months of his contract and it seems Erik ten Hag is happy for him to go.
The Red Devils are reportedly looking at Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid. As per Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk, Manchester United view Oblak as a ‘luxury replacement’ for De Gea.
Should the Slovenian opt to stay with Atleti, then an alternative is Villa’s Martinez. He isn’t as much of a big name but does possess Premier League experience, something Oblak is lacking.
Manchester United began sizing up a move for Martinez on Monday. Scouts from the club have been impressed by his solid displays since moving to Villa in September 2020.
Unfortunately for United, the 30-year-old signed a new long-term contract with Villa in January. The deal lasts until summer 2027 and puts Steven Gerrard’s team in a strong negotiating position when it comes to Martinez’s potential exit.
According to Football Insider, Villa have given the shot-stopper a £45million price tag. Selling him for this price would hand them a nice £28m profit, having bought Martinez for £17m.
This asking price isn’t putting United off the Argentine though, as they are pressing ahead with their attempts to land him. Football Insider provide an update on the situation and claim United will make an offer for Martinez in the January transfer window.
Man Utd want Emiliano Martinez for less than £45m
United chiefs believe they can take the keeper to Old Trafford, even though their bid will not match his £45m valuation.
However, this approach probably won’t come off. That’s because Villa will not be accepting any proposal for their player unless they receive £45m.
This is a typical stand-off between the two clubs. United will attempt to drag Villa below their current asking price so they can get a better deal.
But with Gerrard just as reliant on Martinez as ever, the Villans are never going to lower their demands.
Former Villa right-back Alan Hutton has been discussing Martinez and what his move to United could mean for De Gea. The pundit said: “It just depends how they see De Gea moving forward.
“Is he the number one? Or are they looking to replace him? If you’re looking to pay £45m plus for a goalkeeper it’s for him to come in and play.
“You don’t spend that amount of money on someone to sit on the bench. I wouldn’t anyway if I was in charge of a football team.
“Martinez has done really well since he’s been at Aston Villa, he had a lot of time on the bench at Arsenal, he’s progressed from that.
“I wouldn’t like to see him leaving because this is the first time in a long time Aston Villa have had a goalkeeper that everybody totally trusts, you feel at ease when he’s in the goal. If it’s £45m he has to be number one.”
Meanwhile, Paul Pogba has finally come clean on his summer departure from Manchester United.
