Aston Villa transfer round-up: £80m Martinez update as deal gets green light
Aston Villa’s summer transfer window has proven to be frustrating so far.
The Villans have been working against a backdrop of PSR issues, and it has massively hindered their ability to strengthen the squad.
Marco Bizot is the current their only fresh senior addition to Unai Emery’s squad, but there is a renewed sense of urgency to their business, with the new Premier League campaign now just weeks away.
With that in mind, Villa News rounds up all the latest transfer stories coming out of B6.
Ex-Villa defender Joe Bennett is on trial at Charlton Athletic
Former Villa left-back Joe Bennett could be about to get a new club, as he is currently on trial with Charlton Athletic.
The Championship new boys are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their first second-tier campaign in six seasons, and Bennett has been identified as a potential addition.
The full-back spent four years as a Villan between 2012 and 2016 and made 31 appearances for the club, either side of several loan spells.
He made 25 Premier League appearances in the 2012/13 campaign, after joining from Middlesbrough in the previous summer, but gradually faded away as injuries set in.
Bennett spent the last two seasons at Oxford United, but he could potentially be about to join the Addicks imminently.
Martinez demands to be raised to £80m after Man United loan bid
Villa were bemused by Manchester United’s latest offer of a potential loan deal for Emi Martinez, and they could be about to alter their demands for the goalkeeper as a result of the debacle.
Ex-Villa scout Bryan King now believes that Emery and Co. may ramp up their valuation of the Argentine to £80million, to highlight their frustration with their Premier League rivals.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “If I were Villa, I’d be telling United to pay £80m upfront.
“He (Martinez) is regarded as one of the top three ‘keepers in the Premier League, if not the world.
“I wouldn’t be entertaining a loan if I were Villa, and I certainly wouldn’t want it if I were the player.”
Aston Villa given medical green light to sign Loic Bade
Aston Villa have shown an interest in signing Sevilla’s Loic Bade this summer, and they have now effectively been given the green light to sign the centre back if the chance arises.
The 25-year-old has a history of sustaining muscle injuries, but that is not expected to be a problem for any potential medical he undergoes this summer, according to Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Brar said: “The club will very likely take a closer look at his series of muscular injuries, which include a series of recent hamstring injuries.
“I still do not see this impacting his medical ahead of a potential transfer this summer.
“That’s mainly because he played 90 minutes regularly for the majority of the season and appears to be in good condition.”
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