Aston Villa have placed West Ham United goalkeeper Mads Hermansen at the top of their contingency list.
The news comes as speculation intensifies regarding a sensational January exit for Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine World Cup winner is the subject of serious interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan.
Premier League rivals Manchester United had also been linked but the villains are unlikely to sell to a rival.
With an exit likely, club hierarchy is understood to be performing due diligence on successors and Hermansen is a target.
Hammers Put Hermansen Up For Sale
Mads Hermansen joined West Ham for a fee in the region of £20million last summer but endured a frustrating spell in East London.
A woeful start to his West Ham career saw him lose his starting spot to Alphonse Areola.
Despite his lack of minutes recently, Hermansen’s data from his time at Leicester City remains elite.
His ability to act as an 11th outfielder is viewed as the “missing piece” for Emery’s high-possession philosophy.
With Martinez’s representatives reportedly holding discussions in Milan.
Villa’s scouting team has stepped up their presence at West Ham fixtures to monitor Hermansen’s readiness.
Kinsky Loans Spells End For Hermansen
The situation at the London Stadium is equally volatile. West Ham are currently in advanced talks to sign Tottenham’s Antonin Kinsky on loan.
A move that would further push Hermansen down the pecking order.
Reports suggest the Hammers may be willing to cut their losses on the Dane to fund their own defensive reinforcements.
Villa are reportedly exploring the possibility of a permanent deal, funded entirely by the potential sale of Martinez.
While a loan-to-buy structure has been mooted, West Ham would prefer a straight cash deal to recoup the £20million they paid the Foxes.
PSR Pressures
The driving force behind a potential “changing of the guard” in goal is as much financial as it is tactical.
Martinez is one of Villa’s highest earners and, at 33, his resale value is at its projected peak.
Selling the “Yashin Trophy” winner would provide a massive boost to Villa’s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) standing.
Replacing him with the younger, lower-wage Hermansen would allow the club to balance the books while simultaneously securing a goalkeeper who could occupy the No. 1 shirt for the next decade.
A Frantic Final Week for Monchi
Sporting Director Monchi is facing a defining week. With the Tammy Abraham deal nearing completion and active talks ongoing for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.
If Inter Milan meet the asking price for Martinez in the coming days, expect Villa to move “aggressively and swiftly” for Hermansen.
The Danish international is said to be “extremely open” to a move to the West Midlands, where the promise of Champions League football and a guaranteed starting spot awaits.
