Aston Villa star left out of matchday squad amid renewed transfer speculation
Emi Martinez has been left out of Villa’s matchday squad against Crystal Palace amid renewed interest in the goalkeeper from Manchester United.
United have been exploring a move for the Argentina international as they frantically try to recruit a keeper ahead of Monday evening’s transfer deadline.
Royal Antwerp shot-stopper Senne Lammens is also on their list and is believed to be their preferred option at this stage.
But doubts over Martinez’s future saw him omitted from the Villa team by boss Unai Emery at short-notice, amid concerns he may have become distracted after speculation flared on Sunday morning.
Asked about the reasons behind Martinez’s omission by broadcaster Sky Sports prior to the game, Emery repeated the name of Villa’s back-up keeper, Marco Bizot.
Martinez has been keen to leave Villa Park this summer and the club were open to selling him earlier in the window.
Yet despite interest from United and Atletico Madrid, no firm bids for the 32-year-old were received.
Any late deal for Martinez now will depend on United matching Villa’s valuation and the latter being able to source a replacement. Lammens, ironically, is on their list, along with Porto’s Diogo Costa.
Villa are preparing for a hectic finish to the window, with the signing of former United defender Victor Lindelof close to being agreed.
The 31-year-old, a free agent since leaving Old Trafford at the end of last season, has agreed a two-year deal.
Emery remains keen to add a forward, with United’s Jadon Sancho discussed as a possible makeweight in a deal for Martinez.
Villa also remain in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a permanent deal for Marco Asensio.
