Anthony Martial has reportedly opened talks with Manchester United over a new deal amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur for a summer move.
According to a report by The Sun, Anthony Martial is in talks with Manchester United over a new deal, with the Red Devils ready to offer a contract extension. Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Frenchman in the summer transfer window.
Martial, during his time at Manchester United, has scaled some heady heights while plundering to some dismal lows. After finishing as the club’s top scorer in his maiden campaign, the player has had to endure a tough time under Jose Mourinho, constantly battling for a regular place in the starting lineup.
His Manchester United stint was epitomised best in the season gone by, with Martial playing a pivotal role in a prolific first half of the season before becoming a bit-part player in the final few months, with the arrival of Alexis Sanchez restricting his game time considerably.
Martial started just six games in all competitions since the end of January, and his fall down the pecking order has led to his omission from France’s World Cup squad, amidst widespread speculation which has put his Manchester United future under a cloud. The player does not seem to have any dearth of suitors though, with Tottenham leading the chasing pack in his pursuit.
Mauricio Pochettino does have an abundance of riches in attacking talent, with the likes of Son Heung-Min, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane considered to be some of the best in the Premier League and Europe. But, beyond the first-choice quartet, the Tottenham boss has very little quality.
While Lucas Moura is set to be given time to settle, the likes of Erik Lamela, Fernando Llorente and Vincent Janssen haven’t impressed at all, and could be facing the axe in the summer. With Tottenham looking to continue their rise in stature in Europe, Pochettino has turned his attention towards Manchester United, with Martial reportedly a priority.
There have even been suggestions that Tottenham could ask for Martial to be included in a deal that sees Toby Alderweireld join Manchester United. But, the Red Devils are unwilling to accommodate such a deal and are, in fact, keen to keep hold of the 22-year-old.
Manchester United are now in talks with Martial over a new deal, with just one year and an optional year left on his current contract. Their task to commit his future at Old Trafford is an uphill one, however, with the player likely to seek assurances over playing time, which is where thing might come to a head between the two parties.
If Martial does not receive guarantees of regular starts next season, we could well see Manchester United lose the highly rated youngster this summer. But, Tottenham have a tough ask on their hands, with the Red Devils only willing to sell the player to club outside England, which could see reported suitors Juventus jump to the lead.
It now remains to be seen if Manchester United and Martial can reach an agreement over a new contract. If not, it will be interesting to see if Tottenham can do anything to swoop him away from Old Trafford, or lose the battle to Juventus.
