Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa, in what would be a controversial move given his past connections in north London.

The Lowdown: Martinez earns Messi praise

The 29-year-old's career has gone from strength to strength since leaving Spurs' bitter rivals Arsenal, with the Gunners seemingly happy to allow him to leave.

Martinez has shone between the sticks for Villa and most prominently Argentina, proving to be the penalty shootout hero in their Copa America semi-final triumph over Colombia in the summer.

Lionel Messi called his compatriot 'one of the best goalkeepers in the world', following their eventual win in the competition, while he was even nominated for the Yashin trophy, such has been his incredible form at Villa Park.

The Latest: Spurs keen on move

According to The Independent, Spurs are eyeing up a move for Martinez next summer as a replacement for the ageing Hugo Lloris, in what is described as a 'spectacularly divisive transfer'.

The Argentine's current Villa deal doesn't expire in the summer of 2024, however, and a deal could be 'very difficult to negotiate' - he is valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt.

Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Alex Remet (Napoli) and Sam Johnstone (West Brom) are also mentioned as possible targets if a deal for Martinez can't be struck.

The Verdict: Get him in

Martinez could be a superb signing for Spurs if they managed to snap him up, no doubt infuriating some Arsenal fans as an added bonus.

With Lloris now approaching 35 years of age, a long-term replacement could be required and the Villa man fits the bill perfectly, boasting 15 clean sheets last season, the third-most in the top flight.

He is in and around his prime years and seems to be improving all the time for club and country, keeping three clean sheets in the league this season and even saving two penalties, although one of which Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored from the rebound.

In other news, a Spurs insider believes one player deserves a new deal. Find out who it is here.