Manchester United are allegedly preparing to make an approach for a goalkeeper that plies his trade in Serie A.
With the future of Erik ten Hag having now been confirmed, United's footballing operations team are focused on making improvements to the first-team squad.
A number of outfield positions are taking priority with it known that the Red Devils require at least one new central defender and forward.
Furthermore, the first-choice goalkeeping position is already locked in for 2024-25 with Andre Onana on a long-term contract at Old Trafford.
Despite the Cameroon international being the established number one, though, it appears that United may add different competition to their ranks.
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United show interest in Martinez
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that the Premier League giants are ready to make an offer for Genoa stopper Josep Martinez as soon as Tuesday.
United are said to be determined to secure the signature of the 26-year-old despite strong interest from Serie A champions Inter Milan.
A different report has indicated that United may have the advantage in the race for Martinez's signature courtesy of Genoa being ready to demand in the region of €20m (£16.9m).
Inter are said to have no interest in bidding that high for a new goalkeeper, preferring to spend more money on other areas of the pitch.
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Who is Josep Martinez?
Genoa head coach Alberto Gilardino will be determined to retain the services of Martinez given that his side only conceded 45 goals in 38 Serie A games during 2023-24.
That was a better defensive record than AC Milan, Roma, Fiorentina and Napoli who all finished above them, and Martinez now boasts an impressive 25 clean sheets from 68 appearances for Genoa.
The one-cap Spain international has flourished in his two seasons at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, his first year being on loan from RB Leipzig.
Only four outings came in the colours of the German giants, but Martinez has now put himself in the shop window for a transfer to a bigger club.
If Martinez was to sign for Man United, that would likely lead to the exit of Altay Bayindir, who was restricted to just one outing in an FA Cup tie in his first season at the Theatre of Dreams.
Darren Plant
