{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Sources: Man United have 'concrete interest' in signing Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez
Man United have a “concrete” interest in signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League giants are assessing potential candidates to replace long-term number one David de Gea.
The Spaniard, 32, is out of contract next summer and United have yet to trigger the 12-month extension to his mega-money deal.
Martinez is highly rated by United’s recruitment team and they have been watching him closely during his two-and-a-half seasons at Villa, where he has flourished into one of the best keepers in the Premier League.
United staff have what is said to be a “concrete” interest in the former Arsenal man and they have been further impressed by the elite mentality he demonstrated as Argentina won the World Cup in remarkable circumstances.
Martinez has made a big impact at Villa since signing in the summer of 2020 for an initial £17million rising to £20million.
Get Exclusive transfers news at Football Insider's YouTube TV channel
He has been linked with Bayern Munich as they target a replacement for injured star Manuel Neuer.
Football Insider revealed last month (28 November) that the goalkeeper’s long-term future at Villa Park is under threat amid continued friction with new boss Unai Emery – which dates back to their time together at Arsenal.
Meanwhile, United let Dean Henderson leave the club on loan to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2022 and replaced him with the temporary signing of Martin Dubravka from Newcastle.
Henderson is unlikely to return to Old Trafford after giving an interview blasting “criminal” club chiefs for “wasting” a year of his career during the 2021-22 campaign.
Man United have leaked 20 goals this term – with a number of De Gea mistakes coming into sharp focus at the start of the season.
Nevertheless, Erik ten Hag’s side sit fifth in the Premier League and have a two-legged Europa League clash with Barcelona on the slate in the New Year.
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor backs Man United to accept £50m Marcus Rashford offer after confirmed news.