That's according to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, who confirmed the loan proposal United made which infuriated Villa earlier this summer.
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Edul said on the 412 YouTube channel: "The deal was very close.
"The coaching staff, especially Amorim, wanted him and Martinez knew that Amorim wanted him. Amorim could not convince the board that it was important to spend on a good goalkeeper.
“Well, they told him that Onana was there and said, ‘OK, we’ll do you a favour and try,’ and they offered a loan.
"Aston Villa made it clear under what conditions they would let him go for a sale.”
It's suggested Villa would be willing to sell 32 year-old Martinez for £40m.