New club joins hunt for Aston Villa star
Turkish giants Galatasaray have become the latest club to be linked with a move for Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
The Argentina international’s future became the subject of speculation after his tearful exit from the pitch following the final home match of the season.
Reports in Turkey say Galatasaray, who have agreed a deal to sign Germany international Leroy Sane on an £11million-a-year contract, are keen on Martinez.
Villa are reluctant to sell and are yet to receive any form offers for the keeper, who has been the club’s No.1 since joining from Arsenal five years ago. Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are also thought to be monitoring the situation.
Villa’s primary focus for now is on moving out fringe players and discussions are ongoing over the termination of Philippe Coutinho’s contract, which will allow the Brazilian playmaker to join Vasco De Gama on a free transfer.
A deal to sign teenage Dutch striker Zepiqueno Redmond from Feyenoord on a free transfer has been agreed but Villa’s long-term pursuit of young Norway midfielder Sverre Nypan has ended in failure.
The highly-rated 18-year-old is instead poised to join Manchester City from Rosenborg for a £12.5m fee, with Villa’s need to be mindful of profit and sustainability rules believed to have hampered their efforts.
