The latest on Emiliano Martinez as Aston Villa’s transfer deadline day hots up.

Emiliano Martinez is currently expected to remain an Aston Villa player beyond the 7pm English transfer deadline despite intense speculation over a move away.

The World Cup-winning goalkeeper was the subject of interest from Manchester United and personal terms were agreed on Sunday, but the Red Devils have pursued a deal for Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens instead.

Martinez’s future has been uncertain ever since the end of last season, when he cried and appeared to say his farewells to Villa supporters after the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in May, the final home fixture of 2024/25. The 32-year-old was then sent off as Villa lost 2-0 to Man Utd at Old Trafford on the final day of the campaign.

Speculation grew and grew in the weeks that followed but it then died down when Villa agreed to a sale of their women’s team to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). At first, it was believed that Martinez was on the chopping block to help Villa navigate the tricky financial regulations, but it then became apparent that it was in fact Martinez pushing for a move rather than the other way around.

Martinez was very keen on a move to Man Utd but that will no longer go through as Lammens has reportedly arrived at Carrington to undergo his medical. The Belgian will reportedly sign a five-year contract with Ruben Amorim’s side, putting an abrupt end to Martinez’s dreams of a move to Old Trafford.

Could Emi Martinez still leave Villa?

Martinez is now in limbo. Birmingham World understands the two-time Yashin Trophy recipient told several Villa players and staff he was expecting to leave the club before the end of the summer window, but that’s currently highly unlikely.

As of 3.30pm on deadline day, Villa have not received any new bids for Martinez, according to a source close to the club. Turkish Super Lig outfit Galatasaray have been linked with a potential move but, as it stands, there are no advanced talks for Martinez to depart Villa Park.

It’s a great shame as Martinez had the opportunity to become a Villa legend and he was highly thought of by all associated with the football club. His actions this summer have severely tainted things, however, and it’s now tricky to imagine a way back for him in B6.

That said, there’s nothing new on Martinez. The Saudi Arabian and Turkish transfer deadlines are on September 10 and September 11 respectively, though Villa are thought to be reluctant to let Martinez depart without a replacement lined up first.

Villa working to complete Man Utd and Liverpool transfers

Despite the Martinez situation stalling, incoming business is still very much on the agenda, as Villa are hopeful of completing loan deals for Man Utd’s Jadon Sancho and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott. Sancho is on track to join on a straight loan with 80 per cent of his salary covered, while the deal for Elliott reportedly includes a £35 million option to buy.

Villa’s lack of depth in attacking midfield and wide areas has grown apparent at the start of the new campaign, with no goals scored in the opening three Premier League matches and just one point earned out of a possible nine. It’s hoped the arrivals of Sancho and Elliott - subject to medicals - can help boost Villa’s attacking output.

Elsewhere, Villa have confirmed the acquisition of a former Man Utd ace.