EMI DETACHED

It's a messy situation but the ball is in Martinez court!

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

VILLA concluded their summer transfer window with three deadline-day additions.

Victor Lindelof was the first to arrive, signing on a free transfer following the expiry of his Manchester United contract earlier this summer.

Jadon Sancho joined on a straight loan from United, while Liverpool's Harvey Elliott is expected to become a permanent Villa player next summer for £35 million after spending this season on loan.

All three players add depth and quality to Villa's squad and were signings manager Unai Emery had hoped Monchi, the club's president of football operations, would clinch in the final 24 hours of the window.

A fourth signing - a new number one goalkeeper - was also on the cards earlier in the day. However, United opted to pursue a deal for Senne Lammens instead of Emi Martinez, who was keen on a move to Old Trafford, having expressed a desire to start a new chapter in his career.

He was not included in the squad to face Crystal Palace on Sunday, as he was not in the right frame of mind to play.

Moves to Turkey and Saudi Arabia were offered to Martinez, with Galatasaray making a last-minute approach, according to reports, but he was not interested.