More on Martinez
Emi Martinez was omitted from Aston Villa’s team. Rumours have been swirling the club all day that a move to Manchester United is imminent.
However, unconfirmed sightings suggested the Argentinian keeper was in Dudley this morning, watching his son play football.
If true, on a matchday that might have given a clue as to the fact he wasn’t going to feature in manager Unai Emery’s thoughts.
Villa are stressing that, as yet, no bid has been received for their No.1 keeper. Merely that he has been left out so that the rest of the squad can concentrate on their fixture against the Eagles without ongoing speculation drawing unwanted attention on Emery’s side.
Witnesses say he wasn’t with the squad when they stepped from the team bus 90 minutes before kick-off against Oliver Glasner’s side.
Juventus eyeing Mazraoui
Juventus are keeping tabs on Manchester United ace Noussair Mazraoui.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve are considering making a late move for Mazraoui.
The Bianconeri are planning a serious bid before Monday’s Deadline Day.
Liverpool suffer blow
Liverpool have just lost Ibrahima Konate to an injury during the Premier League match against Arsenal at Anfield.
Konate couldn’t continue and was replaced by Joe Gomez on 80 minutes.
This could add even more pressure for the Reds to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi before Monday’s Deadline Day.
Martinez OFF Villa squad amid transfer links
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has left Emiliano Martinez out of his squad for tonight’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
This comes amid reports suggesting Martinez has reached a verbal agreement with Manchester United.
On the other side of things, Palace boss Oliver Glasner has started Marc Guehi who also dons the captain’s armband.
This comes amid Liverpool interest in signing Guehi before Monday’s Deadline Day.
Potter on Paqueta future
West Ham boss Graham Potter described all the transfer speculation linking Lucas Paqueta with a move to Aston Villa as just “external noise” and “nonsense”.
Potter also confirmed he can “absolutely” see Paqueta staying.
It’s external noise, that’s what it is. You can see from his performance today how committed he is, how much he cares for the team, how much he cares for his team-mates, how much he’s fighting and I’m delighted for him.
You have to deal with a lot of nonsense in this league and that’s the case for every team, especially at this time of the year.
But we’re looking forward to the window shutting and everything going away a little bit.
Yes, absolutely [I can see Paqueta staying].
Graham Potter
Lindelof returns to Prem
Victor Lindelof is closing in on a return to the Premier League shortly after leaving Manchester United.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Aston Villa are set to sign Lindelof on a free transfer.
The centre-back is now expected to undergo a medical at Villa Park.
Reports suggest the Sweden international will sign a two-year deal, with an option to extend for a third.
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