Manchester United launch £40m bid for Emi Martínez as Senne Lammens pursuit stalls

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a surprise £40 million bid for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, despite having turned down the chance to sign the World Cup winner earlier in the summer.

The Red Devils initially considered a move too expensive once Martínez’s £200,000-per-week wages were factored in, and instead switched focus to Royal Antwerp’s highly rated Senne Lammens. United were believed to be close to finalising a £20m deal for the 23-year-old Belgian, tipped as the long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois.

However, with the transfer deadline looming on Monday evening, United appear ready to sanction an expensive short-term option in Martínez rather than committing to a future project in Lammens.

Risky investment

Martínez, who turns 33 on Tuesday, has been regarded as a risky investment due to both his age and his fiery temperament, but Villa are open to cashing in.

United, who have already spent more than £200m this summer and are edging close to PSR restrictions, are said to view the move as a gamble worth taking. Manager Rúben Amorim reportedly lacks faith in current No 1 André Onana and deputy Altay Bayındır.

Onana was dropped for Saturday’s 3-2 win over Burnley following his costly performance in the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby. Bayındır has also struggled, making a string of errors including Fulham’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage and another mistake in the draw with Burnley.

Villa’s late-window dash

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are attempting their own late-window business as they push to sign West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá. Unai Emery is keen to strengthen his squad but financial fair play regulations have limited Villa’s room to manoeuvre.

The club have already raised funds by selling homegrown midfielder Jacob Ramsey and view Martínez’s potential departure as a way of generating further financial flexibility.

Villa are negotiating a loan deal for Paquetá with a £50m obligation to buy next summer. While the Brazilian is eager to move, West Ham remain unconvinced by the proposed terms. A permanent transfer with more money paid upfront could help seal the deal.

Should Martínez depart, Villa are expected to pursue a replacement goalkeeper. Veteran Marco Bizot is being considered as a stop-gap until January if the club cannot land their preferred option before the deadline.