Laurie Whitwell confirms what INEOS are now thinking about signing self-proclaimed ‘best in the world’ star

Martinez, 32, left Villa Park perplexed in his final home game of 2024/2025 when he appeared to bid a tearful goodbye to supporters, despite being contracted to Aston Villa until 2029.

In fact, he only put pen to paper on the five-year bumper deal last August, before expressing his gratitude for the environment Villa allowed him to flourish in.

“I became the best in the world here,” the shot-stopper told club media, as cited by the BBC. “I want to continue developing myself. I’ve got an amazing goalie coach and an amazing manager.”

Yet, a week ago, Fabrizio Romano revealed Martinez was essentially waiting on a call from United after setting his sights on a surprise switch to Old Trafford. It was subsequently reported that the club had had a loan bid rebuffed by Villa to take him on loan throughout the forthcoming term – a deal which would’ve posed little to no value for the West Midlands outfit.

United cool Martinez pursuit after rejected loan bid 

It remains to be seen whether United will return with an improved proposal before the window slams shut in September. For now, they’re putting their interest in the World Cup winner on the back burner.

In The Athletic’s new edition of The Transfer Deal Sheet, Laurie Whitwell ruled out a new approach for Martinez in the near future unless there is a ‘major change’.

There is ‘no sign Andre Onana is leaving’, meaning the Reds cannot meet Villa’s price demands or Martinez’s personal wage demands.