Emi Martinez appeared to ask Johan Manzambi whether he was joining Aston Villa before the club’s dramatic move for the Freiburg midfielder became public.
The pair spoke following Argentina’s 3-1 World Cup quarter-final victory over Switzerland in Kansas City.
New footage shows Martinez approaching Manzambi after the final whistle and appearing to ask: “You going to Villa?”
Manzambi’s full response is difficult to hear. However, Martinez smiled and patted the 20-year-old on the chest after their brief conversation.
SPORTbible highlighted the exchange after footage began circulating on social media.
Martinez exchange adds to Villa transfer excitement
The conversation took place before reports emerged that Villa had moved ahead of Newcastle United in the race for Manzambi.
Newcastle had agreed a package worth around €60m with Freiburg. However, the Switzerland international had not approved the move to St James’ Park.
Villa then accelerated their pursuit following Amadou Onana’s serious knee injury.
ReadAstonVilla reported on Sunday night that Manzambi had chosen Villa after Unai Emery’s side hijacked Newcastle’s deal.
Negotiations with Freiburg are now understood to be at an advanced stage, with the overall package potentially rising beyond Newcastle’s original offer.
Martinez’s exchange cannot be treated as formal confirmation. It does, though, suggest Manzambi may already have been discussing Villa before the latest transfer developments became public.
The midfielder scored three goals during Switzerland’s World Cup campaign after producing seven goals and nine assists for Freiburg last season.
Villa supporters must still wait for the club to complete the agreement. Martinez’s reaction has only increased the belief that Manzambi is heading to Villa Park.
