Emi Martinez left out of Aston Villa starting XI amid Manchester United transfer speculation - but Marc Guehi starts for Crystal Palace

Brentford v Aston Villa - Premier League

Emi Martinez has been dropped from the Aston Villa squad amid speculation linking him with Manchester United but Marc Guehi starts for Crystal Palace.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Aston Villa have announced their starting lineup for Sunday evening's clash against Palace at home, with Martinez dropped from the team and not even named among the substitutes amid growing speculation that he could join United this summer. Meanwhile, Guehi has retained his place in the Palace starting XI after the club received a fresh bid from Liverpool earlier this week.

Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26

THE BIGGER PICTURE

On Sunday, reports emerged claiming United and Villa are exploring the option to include Jadon Sancho in a swap deal involving Martinez. Per Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have already reached a personal agreement with the Argentine goalkeeper, despite keeping a keen eye on Senne Lammens. Interestingly, Villa have made a formal approach to Royal Antwerp for Lammens, who has a €25 million (£21.5m/$29m) price tag attached him.

Meanwhile, The Athletic reported late on Saturday that Liverpool tabled a fresh £35m (€41m/$48m) bid for Guehi, who has just one year left on his contract at Selhurst Park. Although Palace boss Oliver Glasner has expressed his desire to retain the star defender this season, the Eagles are desperate to avoid losing Guehi on a free transfer next summer, which could prompt them to accept the Reds' bid.

DID YOU KNOW?

In response to Liverpool's interest in Guehi, English media reported that Palace are interested in signing Joe Gomez to fill the potential void in defence. A loan move is expected to be rejected swiftly, as Liverpool are keen on cashing in on Gomez. Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has also caught Palace's eye.

Emi Martinez Manchester United

WHAT NEXT?

With the game between Villa and Palace set to be the final fixture before the international break, one can't help but wonder which colours Martinez and Guehi will don once club football resumes in a fortnight.