Football General Manager
- World Cup winner open to new challenge
- Transfer talks progressing positively
- United will to pay bigger fee in instalments
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The Red Devils have been linked with the World Cup-winning goalkeeper for some time, with efforts to bring him on board at Old Trafford said to have been stepped up. For now, Martinez has returned to pre-season training at Villa.
That may not be the case for long as Clarin the biggest newspaper in Argentina, claim that Martinez has “everything ready” to trade the West Midlands for the North West of England. They consider a deal to be “close”.
It is also claimed that Martinez has a €25 million (£22m/$29m) release clause in his contract. Said fee would see the enigmatic 32-year-old become a bargain addition for United. They are, however, willing to pay more than that figure in order to reach an agreement that suits all parties.
With the Red Devils reluctant to part with a fee up front, as is often the case with release clauses, they are prepared to sweeten the deal for Villa by increasing the terms and spreading payment over a number of instalments. That approach will also allow them to fend off rival interest from Turkey and the Saudi Pro League.
Martinez is tied to a contract at Villa Park until 2029, but is seemingly willing to take on a new challenge. If he moves to Manchester, then the Argentina international will inherit starting duties for United from Cameroonian custodian Andre Onana – who is currently nursing an injury.
