Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has reportedly emerged as a shock transfer target for La Liga outfit Sevilla.
As per reports from Spanish publication Marca, Sevilla are plotting a late swoop in the transfer window for Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial.
The French international’s long-term future at Manchester United has come into question throughout the summer, owing to his fractious relationship with manager Jose Mourinho. The pair had a falling out last month, when Martial left United’s US tour to attend the birth of his child, but failed to rejoin the squad.
Indeed, the player’s agent publicly claimed a few months ago that his client wanted to leave the club. However, United were reluctant to sell the 22-year old amid strong interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Recent reports claimed that the player had performed an U-turn on his stance of leaving the club and was willing to stay and fight it out for a spot in Mourinho’s plans in the new season. However, the Portuguese tactician remains open to the possibility of a sale in order to generate funds for further investment into his squad in January.
The 22-year old Martial joined the 20-time English champions from AS Monaco in the summer of 2015 for a fee of £36 million, with could potentially rise to £58 million. However, after an impressive debut season, he has failed to live up to the initial promise.
The former Monaco forward managed just 11 goals last season and failed to establish himself as a regular in Mourinho’s team, which cost him a place in France’s 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Having not featured in United’s season opener against Leicester City, Martial got a rare start last Sunday against Brighton & Hove Albion. But the Frenchman put in a forgettable performance as the Red Devils were beaten 3-2 by Chris Hughton’s Seagulls, following which he drew a lot of criticism.
Sevilla are understood to be keen on taking the Frenchman to Spain before the European transfer deadline at the end of the month. They are also reportedly keeping an eye on PSG’s German attacking midfielder Julian Draxler.
Martial has one year left on his contract with United, with an option of extending it a year further. Despite the recent reports of him wanting to resurrect his career at the club, a chance to join Sevilla could appeal strongly to the Frenchman.
However, it remains to be seen if the 20-time English champions are willing to let him leave, considering that they will be unable to bring in any reinforcements for four months.
