Man Utd in transfer contact with Martinez 'for SIX months' amid Onana struggles

Manchester United are stepping up their search for a replacement for Andre Onana, with Red Devils chiefs now eyeing a move for Aston Villa's World Cup winner Emi Martinez

Manchester United have been in contact with Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez for the past six months as they consider signing a replacement for Andre Onana. Martinez has starred for Aston Villa since arriving from Arsenal five years ago.

He played a key role as they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League this season, before securing European qualification for a third successive year. The 32-year-old also won the World Cup with Argentina during his time at Villa Park.

But it appears increasingly likely that he will leave the Second City this summer. Villa's failure to qualify for the Champions League means that a big sale will be needed to comply with Profit and Sustainability rules.

Martinez appears to be a prime candidate to move on, with Villa eyeing a move for Espanyol's Joan Garcia. The Argentine has been heavily linked with a transfer to a Saudi Arabia club.

But his standing as one of the Premier League's top keepers will also attract the interest of big teams in Europe. United look to be one of them amid Onana's awful form in the season just gone.

The Cameroonian kept just nine clean sheets in his 38 Premier League appearances, conceding 44 goals in the top-flight as the Red Devils finished 15th. According to TyC Sports, United chiefs have identified Martinez as a prime option.

While he has no offers on the table, the Red Devils are said to be interested. It is claimed that United chiefs first contacted Martinez six months ago and have been discussing a move for him for 'weeks'.

Any move will only take place if Onana departs, with United ready to go 'all out' for Martinez. While the speculation around his future grows louder, Martinez is currently with Argentina ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

Martinez is yet to comment publicly on his future, but he did break down in tears as he waved to Villa fans following their final home game of the season. Many pundits took that as a sign he is on his way out.

The keeper has insisted he is pleased to have helped Villa secure a place in the Europa League next season. But he conceded that the campaign had largely been a disappointing one.

"3rd consecutive European football. Not what we wanted but that shows how far we have come as a club. The fans were amazing as always, thank you! It’s been a long and hard season but working with people you love is always easier," Martinez posted on Instagram.

Villa boss Unai Emery meanwhile has hinted that Martinez will be on his way this summer. The Spaniard refused to confirm that the Argentine would be staying in the Midlands.

He said: "We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don't know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field. Of course, then we will see about everything, how we are going to try to get better for the next season."