Manchester United are weighing up a potential swap deal with Real Madrid, according to reports.
Anthony Martial was signed from Monaco last year in a deal worth £36m that could rise to £57.6m. He had a very promising start to his Manchester United career, and many felt he was beginning to justify the huge outlay made on him. However, he has had a tough time under Jose Mourinho this season, has been linked with moves away from the club – most notably to PSG.
He was also heavily criticised by Mourinho, and was told that he must either begin to perform well or risk losing his place in the first team completely.
And, according to the Sun, Manchester United is now looking to snap up Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez by offering them the 20-year old Frenchman in exchange. According to the report, Barcelona were also interested in the Frenchman before Manchester United snapped him up, and although they retain an interest, Real Madrid have now moved to the head of the queue thanks to Mourinho’s interest in Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is said to be growing frustrated at his lack of game time under Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, and given Madrid’s interest in Anthony Martial, a swap deal could be possible.
Rodriguez has managed only 9 appearances for Madrid in all competitions this season and, at 25 years of age, will not be content to sit on the bench.
Martial has managed 10 starts and 4 substitute appearances, but only two of these starts have come in the English Premier League. Mourinho’s reluctance to play the forward consistently may convince the Frenchman to move on, and Real Madrid are apparently waiting in the wings for the Frenchman.
Martial’s current contract runs until 2019 – with the option of another year – while James Rodriguez has 3 years left on his Real Madrid deal.