Pundit Frank McAvennie believes Manchester United will not sign Emiliano Martinez in the January transfer window.
McAvennie claimed that the big-money fee needed to prise the Argentinian away next month won’t be available until the summer.
It was previously reported by Football Insider that United had a ‘concrete interest’ in the World Cup-winning shot-stopper, viewing him as a potential successor to David de Gea.
The Spaniard’s deal is set to expire in the summer at United, although a one-year extension can be triggered by the club. However, it remains to be seen whether that is to be taken up with De Gea currently thought to be on wages of £375k per week – the highest at the club following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
Martinez has excelled at Aston Villa since making the move from Arsenal in 2020 to pursue a first-choice goalkeeper role, but his stock has been boosted even higher following his heroics in Qatar.
This has led to McAvennie tipping him for a move to an elite European outfit, but with the Red Devils recently missing out on Cody Gakpo, the former striker told Football Insider that a deal for Martinez may also have to be shelved for now.
He said: “Man United are a huge temptation for him, but they’ve still got De Gea.
“Martinez will still be celebrating, but there’s no chance Aston Villa will let him go at the moment.
“Unless there’s big money, which is rarely on the table in January, I don’t think he’ll be going anywhere.
“I don’t think Man United need another ‘keeper at the moment. At the end of the season, it’s another story.”
TIF Thoughts on McAvennie’s comments…
United have been linked with a new No 1 for the last couple of years, with De Gea perhaps not the type of goalkeeper needed for a Red Devils side attempting to build from the back.
De Gea has become a United stalwart following 507 appearances since arriving in 2011. Huge doubts were cast over the youngster when he arrived, but he’s gone on to be United’s saviour on many occasions, and we think this makes it unlikely he will be dumped out on a free transfer at the end of the season.
However, we think Ten Hag will likely pursue a new goalkeeper even if the Spaniard stays, with Dean Henderson’s future also in doubt, Martinez’s Premier League experience and ability to perform the role that the Dutchman wants perhaps leave him a real contender to become a future No 1 at Old Trafford.