Emi Martinez desperately tries to push through Man Utd transfer with Ruben Amorim a huge admirer of Aston Villa star

EMILIANO MARTINEZ is desperately trying to push through a dream move to Manchester United.

And Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim is weighing up his goalkeeping options and has not ruled out a new number one with Andre Onana emerging as a target for Monaco.

Amorim wants “captains and leaders” in his squad and the Man Utd chief has been a long-term admirer of the Aston Villa stopper, 32, who has been named Fifa’s best goalkeeper twice in the last three years.

A source said: “Emi is big pals with Argentina team-mate Lisandro Martinez and is keen to move. He has already knocked back a couple of big hitters in the hope of joining United.

“Amorim is a huge admirer of his. He tried to sign him for Sporting in 2020 but lost out to Villa. He wants to fill the squad with captains and leaders and Emi fits the bill perfectly.”

Amorim has already landed Brazil and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha in a £62.5million deal after beginning to reshape his squad for the new Premier League season.

But now the Portuguese coach could land another South American in Argentina World Cup winner Martinez with question marks over Onana and understudy Altay Bayindir.

Onana has been linked with an Old Trafford exit after a number of high-profile blunders since joining from Inter Milan for £47m in July 2023 and Monaco are exploring a deal for the 29-year-old.

Bayindir also did not cover himself in glory when he conceded four in a loss at Newcastle after he was given the chance to replace error-prone Onana.

Martinez signed a new five-year £150,000-a-week deal with Villa less than a year ago, but the Midlands club failed to qualify for the Champions League.

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Any bid of around £40m would ease Villa’s financial concerns to satisfy Uefa’s squad cost ratio after Unai Emery’s side finished sixth in the Prem and secured Europa League football.

He sparked speculation over his future after he broke down in tears and took a bow in front of the Holte End after Villa’s final home game of the season.

Martinez has been previously linked with Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Reports in his homeland of Argentina claimed Man Utd were “advancing in talks” to bring him to Manchester.

However, even if a deal is done, Amorim will be without him for the season opener at home to Arsenal on August 17 following a red card - ironically against Man Utd - in a 2-0 loss on the final day of the season last month.

Villa have been looking for keepers themselves and have made contact with Lille over £40m-rated stopper Lucas Chevalier. Nice’s Polish keeper Marcin Bulka is also on Villa’s radar.

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