Aston Villa in contact with the agent of AS Monaco goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch-Marty | OneFootball

Aston Villa have shown strong interest in AS Monaco goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch-Marty following his performances at the ongoing under-20 World Cup, according to North African news outlet WinWin.

Villa came close to losing Emiliano Martinez during the summer transfer window as the Argentine was ready to switch the Villa Park club for Manchester United.

The Midlands club are now preparing for his possible departure next summer and are scouring Europe for a new goalie, with Benchaouch-Marty catching their attention.

The 19-year-old has impressed with Morocco under-20s at the ongoing tournament, and Villa are in contact with his agent.

Benchaouch-Marty has yet to break into the Monaco first-team but was named on the bench in the Champions League game against Club Brugge last month.

Morocco are in the semi-finals of the under-20 World Cup thanks to some of his outstanding saves against South Korea in the round of 16.

The Villa target was also brilliant as his side secured a 2-0 win over Spain in their first game of the tournament, and all eyes will be on him when they take on France in the semi-finals tomorrow.

The Villans will be monitoring the game and are expected to start making moves to sign him after the end of the tournament.

However, whether they plan to make a move for Benchaouch-Marty in January or wait until the summer transfer window remains to be seen.

Martinez has since been reinstated after his proposed move to Man United fell through, with Marco Bizot providing cover.

However, the 33-year-old Argentina international could look to move on again at the end of the season, while Villa also have to start preparing for life without him and his 34-year-old back-up.

Benchaouch-Marty fits the bill as the Midlands club could do with a quality and long-term option in goal going forward.