Manchester United are in talks over signing a new goalkeeper with Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez re-emerging as an option alongside Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens on Sunday.
The possibility of Jadon Sancho going to Aston Villa has also been floated during talks as United explore all options.
Martinez was left out of Aston Villa’s squad to face Crystal Palace on Sunday night as a consequence with the Argentina international pushing to leave, failing to impress his manager Unai Emery.
United are understood to have made an improved offer for Lammens of around £20m after their opening bid of £14.5m plus bonuses was rejected. But if that fails to progress, Martinez has intimated his desire to join them.
And in a twist, Lammens has emerged as an option for Villa, along with Porto’s Diogo Costa should United settle on Martinez.
Discussions were continuing at United on Sunday night with no guarantee that they sign a goalkeeper before today’s deadline but the need to address the situation has been underlined by less than dominant performances from both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana.
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Both want to stay at Old Trafford though there has been mooted interest from Galatasaray.
United have been in negotiations with Antwerp on Lammens for a fortnight and are yet to agree a fee, aware Antwerp are under financial pressure to sell.
The 23-year old is viewed as one for the future while Martinez at 32 is vastly experienced, first team ready and possesses a personality that many expect would bring a new confidence to United’s shaky defence.
Several of United’s squad have half expected Martinez to join since the club’s interest first emerged at the end of last season. They also made a bold attempt to take him on loan in July.
Commenting on Martinez’s absence from the matchday squad, Emery said: ‘We need players who are focused, 100%. He wasn’t.’
‘It’s not helping us. It’s one of the circumstances that we are having now not helping.’
‘Tomorrow the window finishes and we are expecting something to improve our squad. Keep calm. One of the circumstances is Emi Martinez, we will see tomorrow and then we try get the balance and work after the break.’
He also has interest from Saudi Arabia but is eager to stay in Europe and with United.
Asked after their win over Burnley about adding a keeper, United boss Ruben Amorim said: ‘I think it is hard to be a Manchester United goalkeeper in this moment.’
The club maintain their immediate focus is on outgoings.
Left-back Harry Amass is discussing a loan move to Sheffield Wednesday while Real Betis are expected to return to negotiations around a £25m deal for Antony if a compromise on his severance can be agreed.
Rasmus Hojlund has travelled to Italy ahead of finalising his loan to Napoli while Elche have expressed interest in Tyrell Malacia.
A departure for Kobbie Mainoo looks unlikely however after Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount picked up injuries against Burnley.
Meanwhile, former United defender Victor Lindelof underwent a medical at Aston Villa on Sunday ahead of signing a two year deal.
The 31-year old free agent also had talks with Fiorentina and Everton.
