Manchester United report: Red Devils consider shock swoop for Premier League goalkeeper

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper
Erik ten Hag will be looking to add to his squad in January (Image credit: Getty)

Manchester United are considering a shock swoop for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to reports.

Dean Henderson's long-term future appears to lie away from Old Trafford after he was highly critical of the club after his season-long loan switch to Nottingham Forest in the summer.

United tried to bring in Yann Sommer as their new No.2 in the final few days of the recent transfer window, but the Switzerland international ultimately opted to remain with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea will turn 32 in November

(Image credit: Getty)

United instead agreed a deal to sign Martin Dubravka from Newcastle, and he is expected to serve as De Gea's deputy ahead of Tom Heaton, who will turns 37 later this season.

Yet despite the addition of Dubravka, United are still considering making a move for another goalkeeper.

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are keen admirers of Martinez and could submit an offer for the Aston Villa man amid uncertainty over De Gea's future.

The Spanish shot-stopper is out of contract in 2023, although his deal does contain the option for another year.

But United are putting in place a contingency plan in case De Gea makes it clear that he wants a new challenge after more than a decade in Manchester.

There is also a question mark over whether the former Atletico Madrid gloveman is a good fit for Erik ten Hag's style of play.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Emiliano Martinez

(Image credit: Getty)

The Dutchman wants his team to play out from the back, but De Gea is not as adept with the ball at his feet as many of his peers.

But it will not be easy for United to prise Martinez away from Villa, where he has become an integral member of Steven Gerrard's team.

The Argentina international is under contract at Villa Park until 2027 after signing a contract extension earlier this year.

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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Jurrien Timber, and Liverpool stopper Virgil van Dijk believes his compatriot is a top defender.

The Red Devils have reportedly moved to the front of the queue to sign the in-demand Jude Bellingham, who looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund in 2023.

And an ex-Manchester United midfielder has hit out at Roy Keane, the club's legendary former captain who currently works for Sky Sports.

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football journalist who's filled in wherever FourFourTwo needs him since 2014. He became a Crystal Palace fan after watching a 1-0 loss to Port Vale in 1998, and once got on the scoresheet in a primary school game against Wilfried Zaha's Whitehorse Manor (an own goal in an 8-0 defeat).