Manchester United are still in the market to potentially sign a new goalkeeper before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Signing a new goalkeeper was already a possibility, and the injury to Andre Onana this summer has only heightened the need for reinforcements.
United have shown interest in Senne Lammens as one option, with the 23-year-old shot-stopper keen to make a move to Old Trafford.
But so far this summer, Ruben Amorim has shopped in the Premier League, wanting top-flight experience added to his squad.
With that in mind, United made an offer for Emiliano Martinez, and United in Focus have now learned new details from transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
Photo by Marc Atkins – AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty ImagesMan United still keen on Emiliano Martinez after loan snub
Bailey confirmed that United held talks with Villa last week about a potential deal for the World Cup-winning goalkeeper.
United posed the question of a potential loan deal, but it was dismissed by Villa. However, United’s interest is concrete and they are still keen to explore other options.
Martinez is eager to join United, which could favour Ineos in negotiations. However, the Red Devils are working on a limited budget having already spent over £130 million on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this summer.
Reports suggest United would pay £33m for Martinez this summer, but clearly Ineos were eager to push for a loan deal before pursuing any permanent options.
Man United choice between Emi Martinez and Senne Lammens
Lammens and Emiliano Martinez have emerged as the top two targets for United’s goalkeeper search, but both are very different profiles.
In Lammens, United would be signing a young goalkeeper full of potential. Lammens has been compared to Peter Schmeichel, and he would arrive to compete with Onana for the No.1 spot.
On the other hand, Martinez feels more like an immediate upgrade on United’s options, arriving as an experienced goalkeeper who would likely demand to be starting week in, week out.
READ MORE: The Manchester United XI Emiliano Martinez faced on his Premier League debut 11 years ago
There is still the possibility of Onana leaving this summer if a new No.1 is signed, while Altay Bayindir’s future at Old Trafford is also unclear.
With Amorim also wanting to sign a new midfielder and striker this summer, Ineos will have to keep a keen eye on the remaining budget while figuring out how much can be spent on a goalkeeper.