Aston Villa want Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas | OneFootball

Aston Villa are looking to sign Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas if Emiliano Martinez leaves at the end of the season, according to Sky Germany journalist Patrick Berger.

The Villa Park club are likely to lose the Argentine after he pushed to leave last summer, and manager Unai Emery has identified Nicolas as a potential replacement.

Monchengladbach are looking for a replacement for their German goalie, having come close to losing him last summer.

Villa have started the season well, with just six points separating them from Premier League leaders Arsenal after 14 games.

Martinez has been in goal in 11 league games, keeping four clean sheets and helping the Midlands club record seven wins and two draws.

The 33-year-old still has two-and-a-half years left on his current contract, but he could push to leave again as he will not be short of suitors at the end of the season.

He was waiting to join Manchester United on the last summer transfer deadline day. While they have moved on, others will be keeping tabs on his situation.

Villa have Nicolas on their radar, and qualifying for the Champions League would boost their chances of signing him.

He turned down Brentford last year but has been linked with a potential summer exit.

Nicolas has kept five clean sheets in 12 Bundesliga appearances this term and is one of the best goalkeepers in the German top-flight.

He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is also brilliant at making saves in one-on-one situations. He also has solid reflexes.

Nicolas will not be the only goalie on the Midlands club’s radar, but he features high on their wishlist and has what it takes to replace Martinez.