Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez is not included in the starting lineup, potentially due to rumors of a transfer to Manchester United, while Marc Guehi starts for Crystal Palace.

In the bustling world of Premier League transfers, Crystal Palace find themselves at the centre of a flurry of activity.

The Eagles have been actively seeking reinforcements for their defensive line, and their latest target is none other than Manchester City's Manuel Akanji. Palace's interest in the Swiss international comes as no surprise, given their desperate attempt to avoid losing Marc Guehi on a free transfer next summer.

Guehi, a key component of Crystal Palace's backline, has attracted the attention of Liverpool, who have tabled a fresh £35m bid for the English defender. However, Palace boss Oliver Glasner has made it clear that he wants to retain Guehi this season, a sentiment shared by the Palace hierarchy who are keen to secure his future at Selhurst Park.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have already reached a personal agreement with Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martinez, despite keeping a keen eye on Senne Lammens. Martinez, who possibly left Aston Villa in the summer to transfer to Manchester United, saw his move thwarted when Aston Villa refused to sanction his exit. United and Aston Villa are now exploring the option to include Jadon Sancho in a swap deal involving Martinez.

Villa, in their quest for a new goalkeeper, have made a formal approach to Royal Antwerp for Lammens, who has a €25 million (£21.5m/$29m) price tag. If the Belgian shot-stopper were to join, he would likely be tasked with filling the void left by Guehi, should he depart.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace are also reportedly interested in Liverpool's Joe Gomez, who is expected to see a loan move rejected by the Reds. If a deal for Gomez were to materialise, it would undoubtedly bolster Palace's defensive options, providing a potential solution to their defensive woes.

With the game between Villa and Palace set to be the final fixture before the international break, the future of these players could well be decided in the coming days. Stay tuned for more updates as the transfer saga unfolds.