- Martinez dropped from squad by Emery
- Coach provides surprising response
- Argentine goalkeeper linked with a move to Man Utd
Villa head coach Emery refrained from adding fuel to the transfer rumour fire, with Martinez’s future at Villa Park shrouded in mystery. The goalkeeper was not even named among the substitutes after being dropped from the starting XI for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Palace amid growing speculation that he could join United on deadline day.
When asked for an explanation for Martinez’s absence from the matchday squad ahead of the encounter against Palace on Sunday evening, Emery gave a two-word response. “Marco Bizot”, the Spanish manager told Sky Sports in a reference to Martinez’s replacement in goal for the game.
Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed Martinez and United have struck an agreement on personal terms. Club-to-club talks between Villa and United reportedly saw the possibility of Jadon Sancho signing for Emery’s side in a swap deal emerge, too. In an interesting turn of events, Romano on Sunday claimed that the Villans had formally approached Royal Antwerp for Senne Lammens, with the 23-year-old also on the Red Devils’ radar.
A transfer domino may well be on the horizon on deadline day. Any chance United have of landing Martinez undoubtedly hinges on Villa’s ability to secure a move for Lammens. Amorim could yet land the Belgian custodian himself, however, which could prompt Martinez to stay put at Villa Park, having four more years left on his contract.
