Agent claims Man Utd were 'very close' to signing Premier League star before Erik ten Hag veto

The agent of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has claimed the Argentina international was "very close" to joining Manchester United last summer.

United needed to sign a new stopper in 2023 after David de Gea left the club upon the expiry of his contract, with manager Erik ten Hag ultimately opting to pursue a reunion with Andre Onana, who dazzled under the Dutchman before joining Inter.

However, Martinez's agent has insisted that United actually wanted to land the Villa goalkeeper before Ten Hag's move for Onana.

"Today he is in one of the best projects" agent Gonzalo Goni told ESPN. "Last year he was very close to Manchester United, the coach opted for Onana, because he already knew him.

"But everyone at Manchester United later maintained that the ideal goalkeeper to win was Emiliano Martinez."

Ten Hag has extended his contract with United but, after reports suggested the Red Devils wanted to limit his influence over transfers, the Dutchman is understood to retain his ability to veto any transfer proposed by those in charge.

Currently under discussion at United is a move for another former Ajax talent, centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

90min understands the Red Devils had initially been wary of the cost involved in any deal for the Bayern Munich defender, only to eventually discover that De Ligt could be available for a comparatively affordable price.

Bayern are expected to demand a fee of around £45m for De Ligt, while another target, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, is valued at closer to £70m.