Manchester United have scouted Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez “several times” as they weigh up a potential bid for the Argentinian international, according to the Daily Star.

The English tabloid claims that the former Arsenal player is being looked at, along with Leeds’ Illan Meslier, with the Red Devils eyeing potential replacements for David De Gea.

Although it is believed that De Gea will remain number one, for now, United are already looking to the future, with the Spaniard’s contract expiring at the end of next season.

If the 31-year-old leaves before then, Martinez is reportedly the favoured candidate among the recruitment staff, with a £50m offer said to be in the pipeline.

There is no doubt that Martinez has been a huge success since moving that Villa Park but the Argentine is 29 years of age, so he is hardly someone who would be brought in for the long term.