Man Utd hold 'internal' talks to sign 'world-class' star by swapping players - Journalist

Manchester United have not ruled out the prospect of signing a new goalkeeper this summer.

The Red Devils recently suffered a considerable setback in pre-season training.

Andre Onana sustained a hamstring injury, but he is expected to return in early August.

United are still exploring the transfer market for a new shot-stopper, and journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the club have held ‘internal’ talks about swapping players for Emiliano Martinez.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper is ‘very keen’ on joining the Red Devils this summer, but as things stand, no formal discussions have been held with the Midlands outfit regarding a possible transfer.

It is also unclear whether Villa would entertain accepting players in exchange for Martinez.

Martinez to Man Utd can’t be entirely ruled out

The Argentine was recently tipped to join the Red Devils after it emerged that Onana could be sidelined for eight weeks and may not be available for the Premier League curtain-raiser against Arsenal.

However, the scenario has changed with the Cameroonian’s injury not as bad as initially predicted. He could be fit in time for the pre-season game against Everton at Atlanta in early August.

Still, a move for Martinez can’t be entirely ruled out. Onana was the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League earlier this year, and there could be a fresh approach if he successfully recovers from injury.

Martinez, described as ‘world-class‘ by iNews, reportedly has a release clause worth £21.6 million in his Villa contract, but United are prepared to pay a higher fee to negotiate a long-term plan.

Instead of a direct swap, it is more likely that Villa and United could exchange players in separate transactions to improve their financial positions under the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Article written by Sri Aswin .