Manchester United could save money by targeting an emerging player at the FIFA Club World Cup instead of signing Emiliano Martinez, according to stunning reports.
Emiliano Martinez has been linked with Manchester United in recent weeks and Aston Villa are reportedly open to selling the 2022 World Cup winner.
The 32-year-old Argentine has been a key player for Villa manager Unai Emery, but the Premier League club’s financial constraints could lead to a sale this summer.
Martinez is believed to be keen on a move away from Villa Park, but the United-linked star wants to remain in England and a move to Old Trafford is appealing.
The Villa shot-stopper has attracted interest from clubs abroad, including transfer interest from Saudi Pro League teams and sides in Turkey like Galatasaray.
However, Villa are expected to be holding out for a transfer fee of around £40m for Martinez, who is under contract with the Premier League club until 2029.
Man Utd could have spotted a cheaper transfer alternative to Emiliano Martinez at the FIFA Club World Cup
Emiliano Martinez played in 53 matches across all competitions for Aston Villa last season and Manchester United have been tipped to sign a new shot-stopper.
Ruben Amorim has had to mainly rely on Andre Onana as his first-choice ‘keeper for United and Altay Bayindir has predominantly played second fiddle to his teammate.
However, both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir had rocky seasons at Old Trafford and United fans were left frustrated by the howlers in the 2024-25 campaign.
United manager Ruben Amorim has kept faith with Onana amid the United No 1’s run of form, but the player’s role as the first-choice shot-stopper remains uncertain.
The Red Devils are limited with their spending power and it is believed that the club want to strengthen other areas of Amorim’s United first-team squad this summer.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has now reported that United are ‘eyeing a move’ for John Victor Maciel Furtado in the summer transfer window.
Man Utd’s transfer interest in John Victor Maciel Furtado at the FIFA Club World Cup and the Botafogo star’s release clause
John Victor Maciel Furtado has been away at the reformatted version of the FIFA Club World Cup, which is being held in North America, with Brazilian side Botafogo.
The 29-year-old Brazilian has started and played the full 90 minutes of all three of Botafogo’s Group B matches at the Club World Cup this summer.
According to Pete O’Rourke, United have been ‘watching’ John at the FIFA tournament and could be ready to make a move for him after he impressed.
It has been reported that the Botafogo shot-stopper has a release clause worth around £5.8m and the Brazilian Serie A side could allow him to leave in the summer.
O’Rourke has claimed that Botafogo received offers for John back in January, but the Brazilian chose to stay with his current side to play at the Club World Cup.
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