What next for Emi Martinez? Aston Villa's plan revealed after goalkeeper failed to force Man Utd transfer

Martinez was under consideration by the Red Devils as they looked to bolster their goalkeeping ranks before the summer transfer window closed on September 1. Reports have since revealed that the 33-year-old was waiting by the phone at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground in the event that United managed to agree a fee to sign him.

However Martinez missed out on making a switch to Old Trafford after the club opted to sign Senne Lammens from Belgian Pro League side Royal Antwerp instead. And now the Argentina international, who was not included in the squad for Villa's 3-0 Premier League defeat against Crystal Palace on August 31 amid the uncertainty over his future, is expected to be reintegrated into Unai Emery's side, according to The Athletic. A separate report in Football Insider claims Martinez has no interest in moving to either the Saudi Pro League or Turkish Super Lig, whose respective transfer windows remain open.

Martinez has established himself as one of the world's top goalkeepers in recent years. The former Arsenal shot-stopper has helped Villa finish inside the top six in the last two Premier League seasons, while he also started all seven games as Argentina lifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Martinez could feature between the sticks when Villa travel to Everton in the Premier League on September 13. Meanwhile, United new boy Lammens could make his debut when Ruben Amorim's side take on rivals Manchester City in the derby on September 14.