The possibility of Jadon Sancho going the opposite direction has been floated during talks.
There is internal debate at Old Trafford around the target to press ahead with, while there is no guarantee a signing in that position will be made as time is running out ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Focus on addressing the goalkeeper situation has increased in light of another uncertain performance by Altay Bayindir against Burnley, off the back of Andre Onana making two errors at Grimsby.
United have been in negotiations with Royal Antwerp on Lammens for the past week or so, but are yet to agree a fee as the Belgian side look to achieve around €25million. The Old Trafford club are aware Antwerp are under financial pressure to sell. If Martinez goes, however, Villa will turn their focus to Lammens as their first choice.
Lammens is an option for United (Tom Goyvaerts/Belga/AFP via Getty Images)
Lammens, 23, would be a goalkeeper to develop at United, with only one full season of senior football behind him, albeit he is regarded as an excellent shot-stopper and intelligent.
Martinez, 32, is at the other end of the spectrum, offering vast experience having won a World Cup final with Argentina. Ruben Amorim said on Saturday: “I think it is hard to be a Manchester United goalkeeper in this moment.”
Martinez wants to leave Aston Villa and his representatives have been in talks with United since January. He is doubtful to play against Crystal Palace tonight and Villa are already seeking alternatives in the event of his departure, including Diogo Costa at Porto. Costa has also been on United’s list of potential targets.
United made a loan bid for Martinez in July that was rejected. He is on significant wages at Villa Park.
United are unlikely to do both Martinez and Lammens, with that possibility only arising if either Onana or Bayindir leaves. Onana expects to stay beyond the deadline.
Analysis
By Aston Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell
Martinez’s future has encompassed Villa’s summer.
He wanted to leave at the start of the window, making his intentions clear that he saw his future elsewhere. Villa were open to it, but no offer came in at the time.
Villa do take solace in the fact that they have recruited a reliable understudy in Marco Bizot from Brest, who the club are very happy with and trust him to stand in.
However, Costa is seen as a viable alternative and has, along with Joan Garcia and Lucas Chevalier previously, been on Villa’s radar.
Martinez’s presence and leadership has strengthened Villa, but his form dipped alarmingly last season, making errors in key games such as the home leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
(Top photos: Richard Pelham/Getty Images, Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images)
