Manchester United are looking to make a late move in the transfer window as they look to bolster their goalkeeping options
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez gestures
Manchester United are again being linked with a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez this summer
(Image: PA)
Manchester United are reportedly preparing a surprise £40million offer for Aston Villa's goalkeeper Emi Martinez. The Reds had previously passed up the opportunity to sign the Argentine international earlier in the summer, deeming the deal too costly when his £200,000-a-week wages were considered.
Instead, United turned their attention to Royal Antwerp's highly sought-after young goalkeeper Senne Lammens, having outbid several top European competitors for his £20million signature. It was anticipated that Lammens would be signed before Monday evening's transfer deadline.
The 23-year-old is viewed as the successor to Thibaut Courtois as Belgium's No. 1. However, United now appear ready to approve an expensive short-term solution with Martinez rather than plan for the future.
Martinez, who turns 33 on Tuesday, has been seen as a risky investment due to his age and volatile temperament, prompting Villa to consider cashing in. United believe that signing the former Arsenal keeper is a risk they must take, despite the club already spending over £200million on new signings this summer and flirting with PSR problems, reports the Mirror.
Manager Ruben Amorim reportedly lacks confidence in £43m Andre Onana or Turkish back-up Altay Bayindir. Onana was dropped from United's team for the 3-2 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford following a shaky performance in the unexpected Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby in midweek.
However, Bayindir, who was responsible for Fulham's equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage last week, made another mistake when the Clarets equalised for a second time. Intriguingly, Villa themselves are attempting a last-minute deal to bring West Ham's Lucas Paqueta to the West Midlands.
Unai Emery has been urging club officials to bolster his squad, but due to PSR issues, the Villans haven't been able to make the additions the Spaniard desired. However, having already profited from the sale of homegrown midfielder Jacob Ramsey, offloading Martinez in the next 36 hours will provide them with some financial relief moving forward, even as they aim to secure Paqueta.
They've been in discussions about a loan move with a £50m transfer obligation next summer, and while the Brazilian international is eager for the move, West Ham aren't satisfied with the current terms.
If Villa could pay more upfront and make the transfer permanent immediately, it would be beneficial. A new goalkeeper is also likely to join, although Emery might be content to let veteran stopper Marco Bizot take charge until January if they can't secure the replacement for Martinez they're after.
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