Aston Villa eye French goalkeeper as Emi Martinez uncertainty continues

Villa have identified Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes as a possible replacement for Emi Martinez should their No.1 depart this summer.

Restes, 21, is considered one of the best young keepers in France and is thought to be available for around £20million.

Villa are believed to have held talks with the 21-year-old’s representatives over a potential move, though everything depends on the future of Martinez which is unlikely to be resolved until after the World Cup.

Boss Unai Emery’s preference is for the Argentina international to stay but Villa would be open to selling the 34-year-old at the right price.

Juventus are currently Martinez’s strongest suitors but have so far been unwilling to match a valuation thought to be around £15million.

Villa have been tracking alternatives should that change with Japan international Zion Suzuki, currently playing for Parma in Serie A, another young shot-stopper high on their list.

Reports have claimed Algeria international Anis Hadj Moussa is among Villa’s winger targets. The 24-year-old Feyenoord star is also being tracked by Newcastle.

Emery has put adding pace in wide areas near the top of the club’s recruitment agenda and ideally wants to bring in two wingers.

Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye has long been admired, while Villa have also tracked Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen.