Aston Villa close on centre-back signing as Manchester United push for Emi Martinez
Villa are closing in on the signing of former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof while the future of goalkeeper Emi Martinez is back under the spotlight.
The Villa No.1 has again emerged as a serious target for United as they frantically try to sign a new keeper before Monday’s deadline.
Martinez appeared likely to leave Villa at the start of the summer, with United and Atletico Madrid both showing interest.
That eventually cooled and the World Cup winner, who joined from Arsenal for £20million five years ago, started last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Brentford.
But United’s shaky start to the season, which has seen both Andre Onana and Altay Bayinder make errors, has revived their search for a keeper.
Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens is a prime target but no agreement has been reached, meaning they have turned attention back toward Martinez.
It is possible United winger Jaden Sancho, currently deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, could be included as part of the deal.
Villa are due to play Crystal Palace on Sunday night and Martinez’s involvement is in doubt. Marco Bizot, who joined Villa from Brest earlier in the summer, will start if required.
Lammens is an option for Villa should Martinez leave, with Porto keeper Diogo Costa another possible target.
Lindelof, meanwhile, is due to undergo a medical after agreeing terms on a two-year contract.
The 31-year-old Sweden international made 284 appearances in eight years with United but has been without a club since the end of last season.
Villa have been in the market for a centre-back to provide cover and competition for Ezri Konsa.
