United reopen talks with star’s club and agents as deal for top target hangs by a thread – Fabrizio Romano

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Manchester United have reportedly taken a fresh transfer stance on Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, even as talks for Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens continue.

United locked in negotiations for Lammens

United had no initial plans to recruit a goalkeeper this summer, but ongoing issues in the position have prompted Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to reconsider, with a new signing now expected before the window closes on Monday, September 1.

Just like last season, Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have been far from convincing in the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign and there is an acceptance that neither can be trusted to be a mainstay between the sticks.

United identified the highly-rated Lammens as their top transfer target and talks have been going on with Antwerp to try and strike a deal.

Lammens is understood to favour a switch to Old Trafford, having rejected Galatasaray despite the Turkish giants offering Antwerp a larger financial package than United.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Antwerp are confident of agreeing a club-record deal with United.

With under two days remaining before the window shuts, there is a genuine possibility that United may miss out on their man. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have revived their interest in Martinez as a fallback alternative.

United reopen talks for Martinez

United were strongly linked to Martinez earlier this summer. Ruben Amorim’s side even made a loan offer for the Argentina international but it was turned down by Villa.

Romano now reveals, “EXCL: Manchester United make new approach with Aston Villa for Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez.”

“Talks remain ongoing for Senne Lammens while Man United want to be ready if deal collapses with less than 48h to go…”

“…and new approach for Dibu took place with Villa + his camp.”

🚨 EXCL: Manchester United make new approach with Aston Villa for Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez.

Talks remain ongoing for Senne Lammens while Man United want to be ready if deal collapses with less than 48h to go…

…and new approach for Dibu took place with Villa + his camp. pic.twitter.com/AMzKtH7iys

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2025

With Martinez turning 33 on Tuesday, Villa may view this as an ideal moment to cash in on the World Cup winner.

Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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