'Man United are a 'huge temptation' for Emiliano Martinez after 'concrete' reveal - pundit
Man United are a 'huge temptation' for World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez but a January transfer is unlikely.
That is according to ex-Celtic and West Ham star Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, as hesuggested the "big money" needed to prise the 30-year-old away from Aston Villa is unlikely to change hands next month.
Martinez became a World Cup winner on Sunday (18 December) after his penalty shoot-out save in the final led Argentina to a third triumph.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (21 December) that Man United have a “concrete” interest in signing the Aston Villa goalkeeper as they assess long-term replacements for David de Gea.
De Gea is out of contract at the end of the season and the Old Trafford club are considering whether to activate a 12-month extension to his mega-money deal.
Martinez, who joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020, has also been linked with Bayern Munich as they target a replacement for injured star Manuel Neuer.
McAvennie told Football Insider’s Charlotte Cohen: “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.”
Martinez is under contract at Aston Villa until June 2027.
The Midlands giants will be without him when they return to action against Liverpool on Boxing Day.