Emiliano Martinez, the Aston Villa goalkeeper admired by Manchester United, has a release clause that has been the subject of speculation. The clause, reportedly set at £80 million, was not triggered by United, who instead approached Villa about a loan deal for their vice-captain. That approach did not materialise, but renewed interest emerged before transfer deadline day.
Manchester United did not budget for a first-choice goalkeeper this summer, but Martinez could become an alternative to Senne Lammens of Royal Antwerp. Neither player featured for their clubs over the weekend, with Martinez's absence particularly notable. The Argentina international is said to have agreed personal terms with United on Sunday after his camp was approached again.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Martinez has told Villa he wants to join United, making that clear after Sunday's match. The clubs are also reportedly negotiating a separate deal for Jadon Sancho, with talks due to continue on deadline day. However, Sancho's future remains uncertain.
Villa head coach Unai Emery addressed Martinez's situation on Sunday night. 'It is one thing we have to fix,' he told Sky Sports. Speaking to Match of the Day, he added: 'We will see tomorrow [if he stays]. Of course, [Martinez is] one of the circumstances that is not helping us.' Emery later explained Martinez's absence from the match: 'We need the players focused and 100 per cent. He wasn't.' When asked if he wanted to keep the goalkeeper, Emery replied: 'I want Marco Bizot, a young player, Emi Martinez or another.'
