Explained: Truth about Emi Martinez's Aston Villa future after 'release clause' reports
Villa are still to receive a formal approach for Emi Martinez despite speculation continuing to swirl over the goalkeeper’s future.
Reports in Argentina this week have again linked the World Cup winner with Manchester United, with some even claiming the 32-year-old’s contract contains a £22million release clause.
That has been emphatically dismissed by sources at Villa, who insist little has changed since the start of the summer.
Martinez has been under the spotlight since leaving the pitch in tears following the final home match of last season.
But while the keeper is thought to be open to a new challenge - and Villa prepared to consider offers which come close to their £40m valuation - no firm approaches have yet been made.
Though United are thought to have held discussions with Martinez’s representatives, any move on their part would depend on selling their current No.1 Andre Onana.
Atletico Madrid, another club who have been linked, are in a similar position with their long-time goalkeeper Jan Oblak having signed a new contract earlier this year.
Martinez himself signed a five-year deal at Villa last summer, meaning the club are in a strong position to turn down any bids which do not match their valuation.
Villa signed experienced goalkeeper Marco Bizot from Brest earlier this week to provide cover and competition for Martinez heading into the new season.
Elsewhere, defender Sil Swinkels has joined Exeter City on a season-long loan.
