Aston Villa are monitoring Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin as they assess options to strengthen their goalkeeping department this summer, sources have indicated.

According to reports, Villa have tracked the Ukrainian international in recent weeks and could move for a new goalkeeper during the current window, depending on how their current options develop.

Unai Emery currently has three senior goalkeepers on the books in Emiliano Martinez, Joe Gauci, and Marco Bizot, but uncertainty continues to linger around the long-term future of his No.1.

Emiliano Martinez Could Finally Depart Aston Villa

Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, famously waved goodbye to the Villa Park faithful after the final home game of the 2024/25 season against Tottenham Hotspur, before a proposed switch to Manchester United collapsed later in the summer. The 33-year-old remained at Villa Park but was subsequently stripped of the vice-captaincy by Emery, although he still played a key role throughout the campaign, making 44 appearances and keeping 14 clean sheets across all competitions.

He also produced a standout performance in Europe, including a clean sheet in Villa’s Europa League final win over Freiburg as Emery’s side secured a 3-0 victory.

Despite speculation surrounding his future, Emery publicly praised the Argentine’s commitment last season, saying: “I understand it completely, everything. Staying here is good news – I am so, so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world and his commitment to Aston Villa is massive.”

Back-up goalkeeper Bizot also contributed when called upon, recording five clean sheets in 14 appearances, offering reliable cover across domestic and European fixtures.

However, uncertainty over Martinez’s long-term future has once again emerged, with Villa now understood to be assessing potential replacements should the Argentine depart after the World Cup.

Aston Villa target Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin

WARSAW, POLAND – OCTOBER 11: Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid clashes with Anatoliy Trubin of Shakhtar Donetsk during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid at Wojska Polskiego Stadium on October 11, 2022 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images)

One of those under consideration is Trubin, who has impressed at Benfica since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for a reported €11million.

The Ukrainian international was a standout performer for Jose Mourinho’s side, keeping 21 clean sheets in 50 appearances as Benfica went unbeaten in the Primeira Liga, although they ultimately finished third, eight points behind champions Porto after a campaign defined by 11 draws.

Trubin also gained attention in Europe last season, famously scoring a last-minute goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League’s league phase to secure Benfica’s progression. However, with Mourinho now back at Madrid, an exodus is expected from Benfica as several key players are rumoured to depart.

Villa are expected to be active in the market and Trubin, whom Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director Dariojo Srna once described as “one of the best in Europe” remains one of several names under consideration as Emery prepares for another important window in the Midlands as they prepare for their return to the Champions League.

There has been plenty of talk about players, staff, journalists and fans struggling to get visas to come into the United States for the 2026 World Cup this summer, but – as first broken by the Athletic – Canada have now refused to grant access to one player.

The man in question is Thomas Partey, who is part of Ghana’s team. The midfielder, who currently plays in Spain for La Liga club Villarreal, was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025. The former Arsenal player has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ghana are based in Boston, USA, but will travel to Canada for their first World Cup match against Panama on 17 June. FIFA, however, have now confirmed in a statement that Partey will not be allowed into the co-host nation.

Partey Denied Visa For Canada Match

Partey comes into the tournament with the allegation over his head, but that has not prevented Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz from naming him as vice-captain for the 2026 World Cup. Following this visa decision from the Canadian government, though, the Black Stars will have to make do without the experienced midfielder for their opening game this summer.

The African team are set to play their first Group L match at Toronto’s BMO Field against Panama, but as now confirmed by a spokesperson at FIFA, Partey will not be involved:

The Canadian government website outlines that, “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.” Partey has been charged, but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.

England Players Will Likely Face Partey in Boston Fixture

Ghana will also play at least two more games this summer, but both of those will be in the United States – who have granted him a visa. After facing Panama, they will take on England at Gillette Stadium (Boston) on 23 June before closing out Group L against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia) on 27 June.

As Partey is eligible to feature in both games, there will be much media interest in how he is treated by the England players. Indeed, reports have suggested that the FA have already been discussing how to approach the pre-match handshake with the midfielder.

That said, the FA declined to comment when asked if England players would be consulted on the matter.

Manchester United are accelerating their midfield rebuild plans ahead of the summer transfer window, with the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson all but secured.

However, the Reds are not done with the reshaping of their midfield, with GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs reporting that Alex Scott and Mateus Fernandes are now the club’s leading targets as Michael Carrick prepares for his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are prioritising younger, high-upside profiles capable of developing into long-term starters, with both midfielders firmly on the radar.

Michael Carrick Targets Alex Scott For Old Trafford Transfer

Bournemouth midfielder Scott is one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in the Premier League and is valued by the Cherries at around £80million, with the club determined to resist offers despite growing external interest.

Bournemouth remain adamant they do not want to lose key players this summer according to Talksport, with owner Bill Foley reportedly keen to build around his emerging core after securing European qualification.

Scott, who arrived from Bristol City in 2023 for around £25million, has quickly developed into a central figure in Bournemouth’s midfield, combining ball progression, creativity and tactical discipline to become a breakout Premier League star. However, the south coast club’s stance remains firm. Unless a significant offer arrives, he is not for sale. Manchester United’s interest is concrete, but they are not alone in tracking developments.

Alongside Scott, West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has also emerged as a major target, with reports suggesting United are preparing to make an official bid after identifying him as a priority alternative in midfield.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that discussions are already underway regarding Fernandes’ situation, with United actively engaging in talks behind the scenes. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said:

United’s pursuit of Fernandes comes after they stepped away from a move for Elliot Anderson, with Nottingham Forest’s £130million valuation deemed excessive by the club.

Fernandes has endured contrasting fortunes at club level, experiencing back-to-back relegations with Southampton and West Ham, but his individual performances have continued to stand out due to his technical quality.

He also made his senior debut for Portugal in April, replacing United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, a symbolic moment ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford.

While Scott offers Premier League-proven versatility, Fernandes is viewed as a more progressive, deep-lying midfielder capable of controlling games from central areas.

Man Utd Still Targeting Midfield Transfer Additions

United’s evolving strategy under INEOS prioritizes long-term value and developmental ceiling over established marquee signings, a shift that has also seen Ligue 1 midfielder Mamadou Sangare linked with a potential £35million move, according to a report from Footmercato.

That’s the valuation attached to the 23-year-old after a standout season in Ligue 1. However, it’s suggested the eventual fee could prove to be even steeper.

For now, Scott and Fernandes sit at the top of United’s midfield shortlist, and with Bournemouth holding firm and West Ham open to the right offer, the race for reinforcements is only just beginning.

It has been over a decade since United’s last Premier League triumph under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. If his former midfield general Carrick is to return the Red Devils to glory, he must get this first summer window right.