Man United transfer news: Emiliano Martinez offer sparks 'incredulous' Aston Villa reaction as 'shock' proposal rejected

Manchester United have seen a surprise loan proposal for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez turned down by the Lions, according to a report.

On Monday night, it was claimed that the Red Devils had accelerated their interest in the former Arsenal backup as Ruben Amorim seeks a successor to the error-strewn Andre Onana.

Even though Martinez is under contract at Villa Park for another four seasons, his future has been a hot-button topic ever since he appeared to bid farewell to Lions fans after their victory over Tottenham Hotspur in May.

Martinez's wife has since denied that the Argentina international was saying goodbye, though, stressing that his emotional reaction was simply down to the goalkeeper's love for the Villa fanbase.

Nevertheless, speculation surrounding Martinez's next career move has been rife, and according to the Daily Mail, Man United recently attempted to sign the 32-year-old on a temporary deal.

Villa's 'incredulous' reaction to Man Utd Martinez proposal revealed

However, the Red Devils' proposal of a loan move supposedly sparked an 'incredulous' reaction from Villa Park chiefs, who swiftly rebuffed the 20-time English champions' offer.

Villa are not thought to be completely against selling Martinez this summer, but they have slapped a £40m price tag on the head of the South American, who only extended his contract in the summer of 2024.

It is unclear whether Man United would be able to bow to Villa's demands, as the Red Devils have already spent close to £135m this summer through the captures of Bryan Mbeumo - whose signing was confirmed on Monday night - Diego Leon and Matheus Cunha.

Any more signings may have to be funded by outgoings such as Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony, but the club are yet to make a single permanent sale since the first summer window opened on June 1.

Martinez, who is also understood to have rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League earlier this summer, has registered 70 clean sheets in 212 appearances for the Lions since joining from Arsenal in 2020.

What Martinez alternatives are on Man Utd's transfer shortlist?

Goalkeepers are the tortoises of the football world, and Martinez could very well have another 10 years left in him at the top level, making Villa's £40m demands understandable given his age and contract situation.

Whether Man United can afford to pay that amount remains to be seen, though, and the Red Devils are also understood to be looking at a younger and cheaper option in Senne Lammens.

United are believed to have stepped up their interest in the 23-year-old, who once scored against Real Madrid in a UEFA Youth League match, and he could cost in the region of £17m.

Lille's Lucas Chevalier and Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin have been previously linked with the Red Devils too, as has Porto's Diogo Costa, but the latter would likely prove even more expensive than Martinez.

Written by
Ben Knapton