Aston Villa poised to bid for top international goalkeeper before transfer deadline: reports

Aston Villa are targeting an experienced international goalkeeper late in the transfer window with Emiliano Martínez seemingly on the brink of an exit.

Martínez has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester United and Villa’s financial situation will necessitate a move for a player who no longer wants to play for the club where he thinks he became the best in the world.

The Argentine has been linked with United since January and a deadline-day transfer is now on the cards after a summer of inactivity on the part of the buying club. A move to Al Nassr has also been a possibility but Old Trafford is his chosen destination and he’s apparently pushing to leave on a matchday and with one day left in the transfer window.

With Martínez on the way out and set to miss today’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, summer signing Marco Bizot is expected to deputise for the second time in three matches after Martínez missed the first game of the season suspended because of his ludicrous red card against his new club in May.

But Bizot wasn’t signed to be a first choice and Villa have also released Robin Olsen, so the pressure is now on to sign a replacement for the World Cup winner.

Villa have been credited with an interest in Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, previously a target for United with their existing goalkeepers playing with clown shoes on their hands, and Portuguese international Diogo Costa. The Porto stopper would be an incredible replacement considering the timing.

Transfer twist for Villa

According to reports, talks between Villa and Costa have progressed. He has a £62.5 million release clause. Even with the improved headroom freed up by the sale of Martínez, Villa would prefer to do a deal at a lower fee for the 25-year-old.

Costa has built a formidable reputation, captaining Porto and proving his value on the international stage with Portugal.

He was instrumental when Portugal defeated Slovenia in the round of 16 at the 2024 European Championships, saving all three penalties he faced in a penalty shoot-out to become the first goalkeeper to do so in the history of the competition.

Now up to 36 international caps, Costa also denied journeyman Spain striker Álvaro Morata in a penalty shoot-out to lead Portugal to the trophy in the most recent UEFA Nations League.

At club level, Costa has made 201 appearances for Porto and racked up a remarkable 86 clean sheets. He has won the Portuguese title twice, as well as picking up five domestic cup winner’s medals.

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