Emiliano Martinez’s inability to leave Aston Villa led to the collapse of a potential move for FC Porto keeper Diogo Costa.

According to Fichajes, Aston Villa could have signed Diogo Costa had Emiliano Martinez left the club on deadline day. The Birmingham-based side were ready to execute a move for the Portuguese stopper, but their inability to sell the Argentine ensured a prospective deal for the FC Porto star never happened.

Emiliano Martinez was in the news on deadline day as the early reports indicated Manchester United had rekindled their interest. With the Red Devils scrambling for a new goalkeeper on the day,  and considering they were already interested in the Argentine earlier in the summer, there was a distinct possibility a move could materialise.

Manchester United then cooled their interest in Martinez and ended up signing Senne Lammens from Belgian side Royal Antwerp. As a result, Emiliano Martinez remained at Aston Villa beyond the deadline, with reports claiming Unai Emery’s side never recieved a bid for the Argentine.

Emery is ready to integrate the keeper back into his squad, which could be based on the current situation. For instance, Martinez could still have offers from Saudi Arabia or Turkey, where the window is still open, but it would seem risky for them to sell the Argentine at this stage, without a proper replacement.

Speaking of replacements, Aston Villa had made plans on how they wanted to replace Martinez, as his inability to move scuppered a €50 million Aston Villa transfer. The Birmingham side were prepared to make a big bid for the figure to tempt FC Porto star Diogo Costa, and had they sold the Argentine, the Portuguese stopper might have arrived.

Diogo Costa is still on Aston Villa’s radar

Martinez’s future at Villa is considered over by many sections, and it could be a case that the club will sell him in January. At that point, they are likely to rekindle their interest in Costa to make another attempt to bring the Porto keeper.

It would be a slightly difficult deal then, considering Porto could ask for a better fee and one close to the player’s €75 million release clause. However, the keeper might be keen to make the switch, particularly if no other big club in England are in the mix, as he would like to make a step up in his career at some stage.