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Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, as talks between the two clubs progress.

Martinez a potential replacement for Andre Onana

Andre Onana’s future at United is uncertain after yet another disappointing season, which has only amplified concerns about his suitability.

The Cameroonian made several high-profile mistakes that dearly cost United in games.

His deputy, Altay Bayindir, has shown to be equally shaky between the sticks and there is a general acceptance that neither are the long-term solution for United.

The Red Devils are believed to be open to offloading Onana and Bayindir, but concrete bids for the pair have yet to arrive. Onana also recently sustained a hamstring injury, which has ruled him out of pre-season and the opening stages of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. This has likely ended whatever hopes United harboured of offloading him this summer.

United continue to be linked to a number of goalkeepers, including Martinez.

Villa have accepted that they may have to sell Martinez to alleviate fears about failing the Premier League’s PSR regulations.

The shot-stopper is also believed to be eyeing a fresh challenge and is open to sealing a switch to Old Trafford.

A report covered by The Peoples Person last month relayed that United were poised to open talks with Villa imminently, but news on that front went quiet for some weeks.

Now, Argentina-based journalist Gaston Edul has given a huge update on the situation.

United pushing for Martinez

According to Edul, United “seriously want” the World Cup winner, who is a “priority” for Amorim.

Edul notes that club-to-club talks are ongoing. An agreement has yet to be struck but United are the side pushing the hardest to land Martinez.

The TyC Sports reporter also wrote on X, “Manchester United have advanced concretely for Dibu Martinez.”

“There are already negotiations with Aston Villa.”

Manchester United avanzó concretamente por Emiliano Dibu Martínez.
Ya hay negociación con Aston Villa. pic.twitter.com/I27eXMrpcN

— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) July 15, 2025

Martinez made 53 appearances for Villa last term across all competitions, keeping 15 clean sheets in that period.

Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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