Emi Martinez 'green lights MU transfer' as Villa star eyes Old Trafford move

Manchester United continue to eye Emiliano Martinez and have opened talks with the Aston Villa goalkeeper, who faces an uncertain future after a tearful end to the season

Aston Villa's Emi Martinez is keen on a move to Manchester United with talks reportedly ongoing over a move. The goalkeeper is facing an uncertain future with numerous parties interested in his services.

The Argentine's career has flourished since he moved to Villa Park from Arsenal back in 2020. Martinez has helped Villa become a Champions League outfit whilst he's also earned a reputation as a penalty specialist.

He was integral in Argentina's World Cup win back in 2022 and is viewed as one of Europe's elite goalkeepers. Now teams in the Saudi Pro League are interested in a move but a switch to Manchester could also be on the cards for the 32-year-old.

According to ESPN Argentina United have now begun discussions with Martinez, who is open to joining Ruben Amorim's side. It is understood that a switch to Old Trafford is his favoured destination even if a move is not imminent.

The Villa No 1 was sent-off in the final game of the Premier League season as his side were beaten by the Red Devils, which meant they ultimately missed out on a second successive year in the Champions League.

Unai Emery remained non-committal over whether the player would remain. He said: “I don’t know. I don’t know. He has a contract with us. We are very happy and we will see how the summer goes.” Asked if there have been discussions over Martinez leaving, Emery added: “I don’t know. You can ask him.”

Martinez stoked the rumour mill as he appeared to wave farewell to supporters in his final game at Villa Park. He cut an emotional figure as he cried during his lap around the pitch with his team-mates.

United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been unable to convince during his two years at the club. He was signed as David de Gea's replacement by Erik ten Hag but has continued to make errors and was eventually dropped by Amorim after a poor performance at Lyon.

There has been interest from the Middle East in the former Ajax and Inter Milan goalkeeper and Onana has done little to quash the speculation as he told Actu Cameroun: "Will I leave? I don’t know, we’ll see!"