Manchester United are expected to table an official offer for Genoa goalkeeper Josep Martinez today as INEOS look to scupper rival interest, according to reports. The Spain international has emerged as a surprise summer target, hinting at a potential exit by one of Andre Onana or Altay Bayindir.
Martinez featured in 36 of Genoa’s Serie A games last season, conceding 43 goals and keeping eight clean sheets on the way to an 11th-place finish.
He has been linked with a switch to Inter Milan in the coming months, but United have seemingly entered the frame for his signature.
Onana produced a mixed maiden campaign at Old Trafford following his £47million arrival from Inter and is expected to remain Erik ten Hag’s first-choice stopper next term.
Altay Baydinir also landed in M16 last summer in a £4m deal from Fenerbahce, but he was limited to just one appearance – while Onana was at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 26-year-old has lost his starting spot in the Turkish national team and has been touted to leave United for regular minutes this summer.
Martinez seems to have been earmarked as a target and could even be United’s first signing of the INEOS era.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, the Red Devils are expected to formulate a concrete bid for Martinez and send it to Genoa as early as today.
However, the Spaniard’s representatives have reportedly held discussions with Inter, and the prospect of a stay in Italy may appeal more than becoming United’s back-up goalkeeper.
Martinez’s transfer fee will always be a significant factor, given INEOS’ budget is limited due to FFP and PSR concerns.
United must sell players to spend beyond around £50m this summer, with Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood’s exits all expected to raise funds.
And given a centre-back, central midfielder and striker are on the club’s wishlist, they won’t splash a significant amount on a new goalkeeper.
United are actively working on recruiting a centre-back as a priority, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille’s Leny Yoro as top targets.
A £43m offer for Branthwaite has already been rejected, but personal terms are agreed and the Old Trafford giants are expected to return with a new offer.
Jean-Clair Todibo and Marc Guehi are believed to be other alternatives if Everton price United out of a move for their 21-year-old prized asset.
But Martinez could become a surprise contender to be the first arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s regime if Genoa deem United’s first offer suitable.
